JERUSALEM (AP) — An Israeli organization said Wednesday it has minted a coin bearing President Donald Trump’s image to honor his recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
The Mikdash Educational Center said the “Temple Coin” features Trump alongside King Cyrus, who 2,500 years ago allowed Jews to return to Jerusalem from their exile in Babylon.
A worker holds a coin bearing the images of President Trump and King Cyrus, at a private minting facility in Tel Aviv. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner) pic.twitter.com/cZgJcrOD3V
— Colin Campbell (@colincampbell) February 28, 2018
Rabbi Mordechai Persoff said that Trump, like Cyrus, made a “big declaration that Jerusalem is the capital of the holy people.”
His organization minted 1,000 biblical half-shekel coins that can be purchased with a minimum donation of $50. The coin cannot be used as currency.
Mikdash bills itself as a non-profit educational and religious organization. The donations will “help spread the light of Jerusalem and the spirit of the Holy Temple throughout the world,” it said.
Israel has warmly welcomed Trump’s move, which angered Palestinians.
The Trump coin is likely to rile Iranians, who uniformly respect King Cyrus as an ancient Persian hero.
For Trump a coin with his likeness almost make the whole thing worthwhile. He will aim for Mount Rushmore next, and yes there are a lot people that thinks he belongs there.
Grifty coinage with the image of a grifter in the forefront. How appropriate.
$50 for a half-shekel coin with Donald Trump’s likeness on it…
I think I would rather buy some Orrin Hatch swag/memorabilia
And Donald will probably drop the moving plans next week…
I’m worried this might go to his head.