Mint of Poland is delighted to present the second coin of the "Mysteries of History" series.

Within the series there will be issued the following coins, featuring images of the Amber Room, the Holy Grail, the Treasure of the Admiral and the Templar Legacy. The coins of the series are the perfect combination of art achievements and mint skills. They owe their originality to the highest craftsmanship and spellbinding decoration in the form of a lapis lazuli insert.

Obverse: The obverse depicts a biblical scene of king David dancing in front of the Ark of Convenant during  bringing the ark to Jerusalem. In the upper part of the coin – a profile portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Along the rim – inscriptions: ELIZABETH II, NIUE ISLAND (the issuer), 2013 (the year of issue) and the face value: 2 DOLLARS.

Reverse: The painting by Jean Fouquet depicting the taking of Jericho (1420–1480). Along the rim – an iscription: ARK OF THE CONVENANT (the name of the coin).

Design: Dobrochna Surajewska, Tadeusz Tchórzewski

Country: Niue Island
Data of issue: December 2013
Face value: 100 Dollars / 2 Dollars
Metal: Gold .999 / Silver .925
Weight: 28,35 g
Diameter: 40 mm / 50 mm
Quality: Proof
Mintage: 150 pcs / 1,500 pcs

The Ark of the Covenant – one of the most significant objects of worship of the ancient Israelites. According to the Old Testament, the legendary Ark of the Covenant was the chest made of shittim wood measuring about 140 x 80 x 80 cm. According to tradition, made of — as related in some accounts – lapis lazuli Tablets of Stone on which Ten Commandments were inscribed used to be kept inside the chest. The Ark of the Covenant was built around the 13th century BC. It was the centre of worship during the journey of Israelites from Egypt to the Promised Land. After the conquest of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar II in 587 BC, the Ark of the Covenant got lost.