Silver Coin Craters in Israel - 74th Anniversary of the Independence Day of the State of Israel 2022 Proof

Craters in Israel - Israel's 74th Independence Day

An exclusive silver coin issued by the Bank of Israel in 2022 and minted in 99.9% silver purity in Proof quality to commemorate Israel's 74th Independence Day, Craters in Israel features unique formations etched into the landscape of Israel's Negev Desert known as the Makhtesh.

The reverse of the coin captures a view of the diverse rock layers that make up Israel's machtesh. An eagle circling in the sky watches the inhospitable sites in the Negev Desert. The inscription "MAKHTESHIM" and its transcriptions in Hebrew and Arabic appear at the top.

The obverse of the coin bears the national emblem of Israel, and the inscriptions in English 'INDEPENDENCE DAY 2022' and 'ISRAEL' are accompanied by transcriptions in Hebrew and partly in Arabic. Sedimentary rock formations form the structure of the numeral '2' indicating the denomination of the Israeli currency 'NEW SHEKELS' with an attached translation in Hebrew. Below the currency specification is the mint mark Mem "מ".

The coin comes in a gift box along with a certificate of authenticity in a limited edition of only 2800 pieces for the whole world!

Israel has five machtesh crater formations. They are Makhtesh Ramon, the Great Makhtesh, the Little Makhtesh and a pair of small Makhtesh on Mount Arif. The Negev craters are a rare geological phenomenon that is the result of a combination of specific conditions. Layers of rock of varying hardness have eroded due to the rapid flow of water, exposing the crater walls. The desert climate then preserved these unique formations. According to geologists, the Negev Desert was once covered in water. Later, when the water receded, it revealed the craters we know today. Unlike some craters in the world, which were formed by meteorite impact or volcanic activity, the craters in Israel were formed by the erosion of soft rocks under hard rocks by the action of water.
Ramon Crater is the largest erosion crater in the world. Recently, the "Ramon Crater International Dark Sky Park" was recognized as one of 54 parks in the world for stargazing. It is the only such park in the entire Middle East. The dark night sky over Ramon Crater provides excellent, natural panoramic nighttime stargazing.
The ancient 2,000-year-old Nabatean Spice Route, which runs through the heart of Ramon Crater, has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is commemorated on previous coins issued by the Bank of Israel.
The Ramon Crater serves as a memorial for the seven astronauts of the Columbia space shuttle crew, including Israel's first astronaut Ilan Ramon, all of whom perished on their return from their space mission. The night sky of Ramon Crater with its spectacular views of the starry sky are an important feature of the memorial.

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