Palau Biblical series honors Daniel
Reverse of Palau’s Daniel in the Lions’ Den silver $2 proof showing the Jewish hero as a young man. (Image courtesy Numiscollect)
Daniel’s foray in the lions’ den is recalled on the 13th and latest Biblical Stories issue from Palau. The 35 mm, 1/2 oz .999 fine silver $2 proof has a mintage of 1,000.
The story from Daniel 6:1-28 tells how the Jewish hero achieved high office in the court of Darius the Mede while remaining true to the God of Israel. Jealous rivals trick Darius into condemning Daniel to death claiming he is faithful only to his God and not the king. Darius is unable to change his decree and has Daniel thrown into a pit of lions although hoping for his deliverance.
At daybreak the king visits the pit to find Daniel safe as the God of Israel sent an angel to close the jaws of the lions knowing Daniel to be innocent. Darius is awestruck and commands the people of the whole world to “tremble and fear before the God of Daniel.” Those who conspired against Daniel, their wives and their children, are thrown to the lions in Daniel’s stead.
The reverse of the new coin depicts Rubens 1615 painting of “Daniel in the Lions’ Den.” It presently hangs in the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. The painting shows Daniel as a young man but biblical chronology makes it clear he would have been over 80 at the time of the incident.
The coin is scheduled to be available from mid-September.
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More Collecting Resources
• The Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1601-1700 is your guide to images, prices and information on coins from so long ago.
• Order the Standard Catalog of World Paper Money, General Issues to learn about circulating paper money from 14th century China to the mid 20th century.
