Trump-Cyrus Half-Shekel Temple Coin

The conjoined profiles of King Cyrus of Persia and U.S. President Donald J. Trump appear at the center of the coin's obverse. This design choice creates a direct visual link between two world leaders who, though separated by more than 2,500 years, are recognized for their pivotal declarations concerning Jerusalem. Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Achaemenid Empire, famously issued a decree in the 6th century BCE that permitted the Jewish people to return to Judah from their Babylonian exile and rebuild their Temple. In 2017, President Trump formally recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and initiated the process of moving the U.S. embassy there. The pairing of their portraits on this coin serves to frame these two actions as parallel moments in a long historical and divine narrative of Jerusalem's restoration.

The reverse of the coin features a detailed depiction of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. This structure represents the ultimate fulfillment of biblical prophecy and the central hope for the restoration of Jerusalem's spiritual heart. The image is not of a historical structure but rather a representation of the hoped-for Third Temple, a key element in Jewish eschatology. Its central placement on the coin underscores the theme of redemption and the divine covenant with Israel.

A Menorah, the seven-branched candelabrum, is prominently displayed on the facade of the Temple. This ancient symbol, originally housed in the Tabernacle and the Temples in Jerusalem, represents the eternal presence of God, divine wisdom, and His covenant with the people of Israel. Its inclusion on the coin serves as a reminder of divine light and guidance in the journey toward redemption.

This inscription connects three significant historical moments that advanced the restoration of Jerusalem.

Original language: "Cyrus-Balfour-Trump Declaration 1917-2017"

This text links the ancient decree of Cyrus with the 1917 Balfour Declaration, in which the British government expressed support for a "national home for the Jewish people" in Palestine, and President Trump's 2017 recognition of Jerusalem. The years noted refer to the Balfour Declaration (1917) and the Trump Declaration (2017).

This simple inscription identifies the nature and purpose of the medallion.

The name itself frames the coin as a token intended to commemorate and support the idea of the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem.

This text mirrors the English inscription at the top, naming the three key declarations.

Original language: "הצהרת כורש - בלפור - טראמפ תשע"ח"

Transliteration: Hatzharat Koresh - Balfour - Trump Tash'ach

Translation: "Cyrus - Balfour - Trump Declaration 5778"

The Hebrew year תשע"ח (5778) corresponds to the secular year 2017-2018, the year of President Trump's declaration.

This inscription encapsulates the overarching theme of the coin.

Original language: "לגאולת ירושלים הקדושה"

Transliteration: L'ge'ulat Yerushalayim HaK'dosha

Translation: "For the Redemption of the Holy Jerusalem"

This phrase emphasizes the coin's dedication to the sacred mission of restoring Jerusalem to its full spiritual and historical significance, a theme found on ancient Jewish coins as well.

This inscription connects the commemorative coin to an ancient biblical tradition.

Original language**: "מחצית השקל תשע"ח"

Transliteration: Machatzit HaShekel Tash'ach

Translation: "Half Shekel 5778"

The Torah mandates an annual donation of a half-shekel from every Jewish male to support the Temple. While the Temple no longer stands, the tradition continues with a commemorative "Zecher l'Machatzit HaShekel" (Remembrance of the Half-Shekel) donation given before Purim. This inscription ties the coin to this ancient practice of communal support for the Temple, again dating it to the Hebrew year of the Trump declaration.