Bank of Israel - Past Notes & Coins Series

Past Notes & Coins Series

Anglo Palestine Bank Series
Bank Leumi Le-Israel Series
First Series of the Pound
Second Series of the Pound
Third Series of the Pound
Fourth Series of the Pound
Sheqel Series
First Series of the New Sheqel

Anglo Palestine Bank Series

500 Mils
1 Palestine Pound
5 Palestine Pounds
10 Palestine Pounds
50 Palestine Pounds

Banknotes and coins are not only means of payment, they are also a symbol of sovereignty. When the Fathers of the Yishuv were engaged in establishing the new state, one of the matters they had to deal with was its currency. As the name of the new state had not been decided, the question arose as to what would be printed on the banknotes.

The banknotes could not be printed in this country as the British Mandate had not yet expired, and also for lack of the required technical expertise. At the same time it was clear that no reputable foreign firm would print money for a nonexistent state. After considerable effort, Mr. S. Hoofien, then Chairman of the Board of the Anglo-Palestine Bank, persuaded the American Banknote Company of New York to print the banknotes.

To obviate the need for State Department approval for printing banknotes of a foreign country, the notes as ordered gave no indication of their being legal tender. (The legend "Legal tender for payment of any amount" was subsequently overprinted). In addition, the company stipulated that its name should not appear on the notes.

The design of the banknotes was based on different combinations of guilloches in the company's stock, some of which were used for printing banknotes for China! When the banknotes were ordered, no one yet knew what the name of the new state would be, let alone its currency. It was therefore decided to print "Palestine Pound" on the notes, the currency of the mandate.

The banknotes reached this country secretly in July 1948. On August 17 the government passed a law declaring the notes legal tender, and they were put into circulation on the following day.

Size:	148 X 72 mm.
Dominant colour:	Grey-pink.
Front:	Guilloches; the denomination "500 Mils" and "The Anglo-Palestine Bank Limited" in Hebrew and English.
Back:	Guilloches; the denomination "Five Hundred Mils" and "The Anglo-Palestine Bank Limited" in Arabic and English.
Colour of numbering:	Red.
Signatures:	S. Hoofien, A. Barth.
Design:	American Banknote Co., New York.
Date of issue:	August 18, 1948.
Ceased to be legal tender:	June 23, 1952.

Size:	100 X 75 mm.
Dominant colour:	Blue-green.
Front:	Guilloches; the denomination "One Palestine Pound" and "The Anglo-Palestine Bank Limited" in Hebrew and English.
Back:	Guilloches; the denomination "One Palestine Pound" and "The Anglo-Palestine Bank Limited" in Arabic and English.
Colour of numbering:	Red.
Signatures:	S. Hoofien, A. Barth.
Design:	American Banknote Co., New York.
Date of issue:	August 18, 1948.
Ceased to be legal tender:	June 23, 1952.

Size:	105 X 68 mm.
Dominant colour:	Brown.
Front:	Guilloches; the denomination "Five Palestine Pounds" and "The Anglo-Palestine Bank Limited" in Hebrew and English.
Back:	Guilloches; the denomination "Five Palestine Pounds" and "The Anglo-Palestine Bank Limited" in Arabic and English.
Colour of numbering:	Black.
Signatures:	S. Hoofien, A. Barth.
Design:	American Banknote Co., New York.
Date of issue:	August 18, 1948.
Ceased to be legal tender:	June 23, 1952.

Size:	150 X 80 mm.
Dominant colour:	Red.
Front:	Guilloches; the denomination "Ten Palestine Pounds" and "The Anglo-Palestine Bank Limited" in Hebrew and English.
Back:	Guilloches; the denomination "Ten Palestine Pounds" and "The Anglo-Palestine Bank Limited" in Arabic and English.
Colour of numbering:	Black.
Signatures:	S. Hoofien, A. Barth.
Design:	American Banknote Co., New York.
Date of issue:	August 18, 1948.
Ceased to be legal tender:	June 23, 1952.

Size:	159 X 84 mm.
Dominant colour:	Violet.
Front:	Guilloches; the denomination "Fifty Palestine Pounds" and "The Anglo-Palestine Bank Limited" in Hebrew and English.
Back:	Guilloches; the denomination "Fifty Palestine Pounds" and "The Anglo-Palestine Bank Limited" in Arabic and English.
Colour of numbering:	Red.
Signatures:	S. Hoofien, A. Barth.
Design:	American Banknote Co., New York.
Date of issue:	August 18, 1948.
Ceased to be legal tender:	June 23, 1952.

On May 1, 1951 all the assets and liabilities of the Anglo Palestine Bank were transferred to a new company called Bank Leumi le-Israel B.M., and it therefore became necessary to issue a new series of banknotes. These were almost identical to the Anglo-Palestine Bank series, except that the colour of some of the notes was different. The name of the currency was the "Israeli Pound".

The new money was introduced in June 1952, along with a 10 percent compulsory loan levied on cash holdings and current accounts.

Size:	148 X 72 mm.
Dominant colour:	Olive-green on light-blue.
Front:	Guilloches; the denomination "500 Prutah" and "Bank Leumi le-Israel B.M." in Hebrew.
Back:	Guilloches; the denomination "Five Hundred Prutah" and "Bank Leumi le-Israel B.M." in Arabic and English.
Colour of numbering:	Red.
Signatures:	S. Hoofien, A. Barth.
Design:	American Banknote Co., New York.
Date of issue:	June 9, 1952.
Ceased to be legal tender:	February 7, 1961.

Size:	150 X 75 mm.
Dominant colour:	Green-pink.
Front:	Guilloches; the denomination "One Israel Pound" and "Bank Leumi le-Israel B.M." in Hebrew.
Back:	Guilloches; the denomination "One Israel Pound" and "Bank Leumi le-Israel B.M." in Arabic and English.
Colour of numbering:	Black.
Signatures:	S. Hoofien, A. Barth.
Design:	American Banknote Co., New York.
Date of issue:	June 9, 1952.
Ceased to be legal tender:	February 7, 1961.

Size:	155 X 80 mm.
Dominant colour:	Red-brown.
Front:	Guilloches; the denomination "Five Israel Pounds" and "Bank Leurni le-Israel B.M." in Hebrew.
Back:	Guilloches; the denomination "Five Israel Pounds" and "Bank Leumi le-Israel B.M." in Arabic and English.
Colour of numbering:	Black.
Signatures:	S. Hoofien, A. Barth.
Design:	American Banknote Co., New York.
Date of issue:	June 9, 1952.
Ceased to be legal tender:	February 7, 1961.

Size:	155 X 80 mm.
Dominant colour:	Grey-Pink.
Front:	Guilloches; the denomination "Ten Israel Pounds" and "Bank Leumi le-Israel B.M." in Hebrew.
Back:	Guilloches; the denomination "Ten Israel Pounds" and "Bank Leumi le-Israel B.M." in Arabic and English.
Colour of numbering:	Red.
Signatures:	S. Hoofien, A. Barth.
Design:	American Banknote Co., New York.
Date of issue:	June 9, 1952.
Ceased to be legal tender:	February 7, 1961.

Size:	160 X 85 mm.
Dominant colour:	Brown-green.
Front:	Guilloches; the denomination "Fifty Israel Pounds" and "Bank Leumi le-Israel B.M." in Hebrew.
Back:	Guilloches; the denomination "Fifty Israel Pounds" and "Bank Leumi le-Israel B.M." in Arabic and English.
Colour of numbering:	Red.
Signatures:	S. Hoofien, A. Barth.
Design:	American Banknote Co., New York.
Date of issue:	June 9, 1952.
Ceased to be legal tender:	February 7, 1961.

First Series of the Pound

500 Pruta
1 Israeli Pound
5 Israeli Pounds
10 Israeli Pounds
50 Israeli Pounds

On the initiative of its first Governor, David Horowitz, and with the assistance of a special committee headed by Mr. S. Hoofien, a new series of banknotes was prepared; this, within the authority vested in the Bank by the Bank of Israel Law.

The committee chose Israeli landscapes as the motif, and commissioned graphic artists from Thomas de la Rue and Co. of London to design the notes. Abstract patterns were printed on the back of the notes. Four notes were gradually put into circulation in August-October 1955. The fifth was issued in 1957.

Size:	130 X 72 mm.
Dominant colour:	Red.
Front:	Ruins of an ancient synagogue at Bir'am in Upper Galilee; the denomination "500 Pruta" and "Bank of Israel" in Hebrew.
Back:	An abstract design; the denomination "500 Pruta" and "Bank of Israel" in Arabic and English.
Watermark:	Seven-branched candelabrum with an imprint of cyclamen.
Colour of numbering:	Black.
Signatures:	Governor of the Bank David Horowitz; Chairman of the Advisory Council S. Hoofien.
Design:	Thomas de la Rue and Co., London.
Year:	1955.
Date of issue:	August 4, 1955.
Ceased to be legal tender:	March 31, 1984.

Size:	135 X 72 mm.
Dominant colour:	Blue.
Front:	View of Upper Galilee; the denomination "One Israeli Pound" and "Bank of Israel" in Hebrew.
Back:	An abstract design; the denomination "One Israeli Pound" and "Bank of Israel" in Arabic and English.
Watermark:	Seven-branched candelabrum with an imprint of anemones.
Colour of numbering:	Black.
Signatures:	Governor of the Bank David Horowitz; Chairman of the Advisory Council S. Hoofien.
Design:	Thomas de la Rue and Co., London.
Year:	1955.
Date of issue:	October 27, 1955.
Ceased to be legal tender:	March 31, 1984.

Size:	140 X 78 mm.
Dominant colour:	Brown.
Front:	Negev landscape with a settlement and farm equipment; the denomination "Five Israeli Pounds" and "Bank of Israel" in Hebrew.
Back:	An abstract design; the denomination "Five Israeli Pounds" and "Bank of Israel" in Arabic and English.
Watermark:	Seven-branched candelabrum with an imprint of irises.
Colour of numbering:	Black.
Signatures:	Governor of the Bank David Horowitz; Chairman of the Advisory Council S. Hoofien.
Design:	Thomas de la Rue and Co., London.
Year:	1955.
Date of issue:	October 27, 1955.
Ceased to be legal tender:	March 31, 1984.

Size:	150 X 82 mm.
Dominant colour:	Green.
Front:	View of the Jezreel Valley depicting settlements and cultivated fields; the denomination "Ten Israeli Pounds" and "Bank of Israel" in Hebrew.
Back:	An abstract design; the denomination "Ten Israeli Pounds" and "Bank of Israel" in Arabic and English.
Watermark:	Seven-branched candelabrum with an imprint of tulips.
Colour of numbering:	Black. Red (June, 1958).
Signatures:	Governor of the Bank David Horowitz; Chairman of the Advisory Council S. Hoofien.
Design:	Thomas de la Rue and Co., London.
Year:	1955.
Date of issue:	August 4, 1955.
Ceased to be legal tender:	March 31, 1984.

Size:	160 X 87 mm.
Dominant colour:	Blue.
Front:	The road to Jerusalem; the denomination "Fifty Israeli Pounds" and "Bank of Israel" in Hebrew.
Back:	An abstract design; the denomination "Fifty Israeli Pounds" and "Bank of Israel" in Arabic and English.
Watermark:	Seven-branched candelabrum with an imprint of oleander.
Colour of numbering:	Black. Red (May, 1960).
Signatures:	Governor of the Bank David Horowitz; Chairman of the Advisory Council S. Hoofien.
Design:	Thomas de la Rue and Co., London.
Year:	1955.
Date of issue:	September 19, 1957.
Ceased to be legal tender:	March 31, 1984.

Second Series of the Pound

1/2 Israeli Pound
1 Israeli Pound
5 Israeli Pounds
10 Israeli Pounds
50 Israeli Pounds

The abstract patterns of the first series did not meet with public approval. When criticism mounted, the Governor decided to issue a new series, and appointed a public committee to plan the notes. The committee selected drawings of people illustrating different walks of Israeli life (a pioneer-woman soldier, fisherman, scientist, etc.) as the principal motif and archaeological subjects as the secondary motif.

The form and size of the notes differed from those of the previous series. The basic sketches were the work of Israeli artists. The series was put into circulation in 1959-60, and gradually replaced the previous series.

From this series onwards, the banknotes of Israel are printed in several state or state-controlled banknote printing works in Europe.

Size:	130 X 72 mm.
Dominant colour:	Green.
Front:	Pioneer-woman soldier holding a basket of oranges against a background of fields; the denomination "1/2 Israeli Pound" and "Bank of Israel" in Hebrew.
Back:	Tomb of the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem; "Bank of Israel" in Hebrew, English and Arabic.
Watermark:	The face of the woman soldier.
Security thread:	On the left-hand side of the note.
Colour of numbering:	Black.
Signatures:	Governor of the Bank David Horowitz; Chairman of the Advisory Council J.E. Nebenzahl.
Design:	Shamir Brothers, Jacob Zim.
Year:	1958.
Date of issue:	October 15, 1959.
Ceased to be legal tender:	March 31, 1984.

Size:	135 X 75 mm.
Dominant colour:	Blue.
Front:	Fisherman carrying fishing gear against a background of a bay; the denomination "One Israeli Pound" and "Bank of Israel" in Hebrew.
Back:	Mosaic from the floor of an ancient synagogue at lssafiya on Mt. Carmel; "Bank of Israel" in Hebrew, English and Arabic.
Watermark:	The face of the fisherman.
Security thread:	On the left-hand side of the note.
Colour of numbering:	Black. Red (June 1964).
Signatures:	Governor of the Bank David Horowitz; Chairman of the Advisory Council J.E. Nebenzahl.
Design:	Shamir Brothers, Jacob Zim.
Year:	1958.
Date of issue:	October 15, 1959.
Ceased to be legal tender:	March 31, 1984.
Note:	In the 1966 series the security thread on the left was moved to the middle and replaced by a morse code signifying "Bank of Israel". Colour of numbering of this series - brown.

Size:	140 X 78 mm.
Dominant colour:	Brown.
Front:	Labourer holding a sledge-hammer against a background of an industrial plant; the denomination "Five Israeli Pounds" and "Bank of Israel" in Hebrew.
Back:	Roaring lion depicted on an ancient Hebrew seal found at Megiddo; "Bank of Israel" in Hebrew, English and Arabic.
Watermark:	The face of the labourer.
Security thread:	On the left-hand side of the note.
Colour of numbering:	Black.
Signatures:	Governor of the Bank David Horowitz; Chairman of the Advisory Council J.E. Nebenzahl.
Design:	Shamir Brothers, Jacob Zim.
Year:	1958.
Date of issue:	October 15, 1959.
Ceased to be legal tender:	March 31, 1984.

Size:	150 X 82 mm.
Dominant colour:	Purple.
Front:	Scientist in a laboratory; the denomination "Ten Israeli pounds" and "Bank of Israel" in Hebrew.
Back:	Passage from the Book of Isaiah. Dead Sea Scrolls; "Bank of Israel" in Hebrew, English and Arabic.
Watermark:	The face of the scientist.
Security thread:	On the left-hand side of the note.
Colour of numbering:	Black. Red (January 1967); blue (April 1967); brown (September 1969).
Signatures:	Governor of the Bank David Horowitz; Chairman of the Advisory Council J.E. Nebenzahl.
Design:	Shamir Brothers, Jacob Zim.
Year:	1958.
Date of issue:	October 15, 1959.
Ceased to be legal tender:	March 31, 1984.
Note:	Starting from the 1966 reprint, the security thread on the left was moved to the middle and replaced by a morse code signifying "Zion Jerusalem".

Size:	178 X 93 mm.
Dominant colour:	Brown.
Front:	Two young pioneers against a background of an agricultural settlement in the Negev; the denomination "Fifty Israeli Pounds" and "Bank of Israel" in Hebrew.
Back:	Candelabrum from the ancient synagogue of Nirim in the Negev; "Bank of Israel" in Hebrew, English and Arabic.
Watermark:	The faces of the pioneers.
Security thread:	In the middle of the note.
Colour of numbering:	Black. Red (February 1965); blue (December 1966); green (May 1967); brown (September 1969).
Signatures:	Governor of the Bank David Horowitz; Chairman of the Advisory Council J.E. Nebenzahl.
Design:	Shamir Brothers, Jacob Zim.
Year:	1960.
Date of issue:	December 9, 1960.
Ceased to be legal tender:	March 31, 1984.
Note:	Starting from the 1966 reprint, the security thread in the middle was moved to the left and replaced by a morse code signifying "Am Israel Hai" ("The people of Israel live on").

Third Series of the Pound

5 Israeli Pounds
10 Israeli Pounds
50 Israeli Pounds
100 Israeli Pounds

When the need arose for a new, higher-denomination note, a IL 100 note, bearing the portrait of Theodor Herzl, was introduced in February 1969. This was also the first note in a new series, which was designed by foreign graphic artists, who based their work on material and information supplied by the bank. The notes featured the portraits of prominent personalities in the history of the Jewish people.

The other notes in this series were put into circulation in 1970-72.

Size:	150 X 75 mm.
Dominant colour:	Light blue.
Front:	Portrait of Albert Einstein; the denomination "Five Israeli Pounds" and "Bank of Israel" in Hebrew.
Back:	Atomic reactor at Nahal Sorek; "Bank of Israel" in Hebrew, English and Arabic.
Watermark:	Profile of A. Einstein.
Security thread:	On the left-hand side of the note.
Colour of numbering:	Black. Red (March 1974).
Signatures:	Governor of the Bank David Horowitz; Chairman of the Advisory Council Y. Chorin.
Design:	Prof. Masino Besi, Italy and Sam Hertz, Holland.
Year:	1968.
Date of issue:	January 13, 1972.
Ceased to be legal tender:	March 31, 1984.

Size:	160 X 80 mm.
Dominant colour:	Yellow-ivory.
Front:	Portrait of Chaim Nachman Bialik; the denomination "Ten Israeli Pounds" and "Bank of Israel" in Hebrew.
Back:	Bialik's home in Tel-Aviv; "Bank of Israel" in Hebrew, English and Arabic.
Watermark:	Profile of C.N. Bialik.
Security thread:	On the left-hand side of the note.
Colour of numbering:	Black and blue. Green (March 1971).
Signatures:	Governor of the Bank David Horowitz; Chairman of the Advisory Council Y. Chorin.
Design:	Prof. Masino Besi and Prof. M. Baiardi, Italy.
Year:	1968.
Date of issue:	August 6, 1970.
Ceased to be legal tender:	March 31, 1984.

Size:	170 X 85 mm.
Dominant colour:	Brown-red.
Front:	Portrait of Chaim Weizmann the denomination "Fifty Israeli Pounds" and "Bank of Israel" in Hebrew.
Back:	Knesset Building in Jerusalem; "Bank of Israel" in Hebrew, English and Arabic.
Watermark:	Profile of Ch. Weizmann.
Security thread:	On the right-hand side of the note.
Colour of numbering:	Black. Blue (October 1976).
Signatures:	Governor of the Bank David Horowitz; Chairman of the Advisory Council Y. Chorin.
Design:	Prof. Masino Besi and Prof. M. Baiardi, Italy.
Year:	1968.
Date of issue:	January 13, 1972.
Ceased to be legal tender:	March 31, 1984.

Size:	180 X 90 mm.
Dominant colour:	Blue.
Front:	Portrait of Theodor Herzl; the denomination "One Hundred Israeli Pounds" and "Bank of Israel" in Hebrew.
Back:	Emblem of the State of Israel surrounded by the emblems of the twelve tribes; "Bank of Israel" in Hebrew, English and Arabic.
Watermark:	Profile of Theodor Herzl.
Security thread:	On the left-hand side of the note (black and red numbering); On the right-hand side of the note (black numbering with no letter affix and brown numbering)
Colour of numbering:	Black, Red (March 1971) and Brown (March 1974).
Signatures:	Governor of the Bank David Horowitz; Chairman of the Advisory Council Y. Chorin.
Design:	Prof. Masino Bessi, Italy and H.J. Bard, Britain.
Year:	1968.
Date of issue:	February 27, 1969.
Ceased to be legal tender:	March 31, 1984.
Note:	In the series with red numbering Herzl's profile in the watermark is different. Part of the series with black numbering has no letter affix and the security thread is on the right hand side (February 1973).

Fourth Series of the Pound

5 Israeli Pounds
10 Israeli Pounds
50 Israeli Pounds
100 Israeli Pounds
500 Israeli Pounds

To save on production costs and permit automatic sorting of banknotes, the Bank of Israel issued a new series with a standard width of 76 mm. The face of these notes, too, bore portraits of outstanding personalities, while the motif selected for the back was the gates of the Old City of Jerusalem.

Another innovation was the printing of dots in intaglio to enable the blind to identify the denomination of the notes. A IL 500 note was first issued in this series, which was put into circulation in 1975-78.

On the back of the notes, bars of binary codes were imprinted in invisible ink, for the purpose of automatic detection.

Starting with this series, the Arabic caligraphy is inscribed by Yousuf Wahba.

Size:	128 X 76 mm.
Dominant colour:	Brown.
Front:	Portrait of Henrietta Szold; Hadassah Hospital on Mt. Scopus in Jerusalem; the denomination "Five Israeli Pounds" and "Bank of Israel" in Hebrew.
Back:	Lion's Gate in the Old City of Jerusalem; "Bank of Israel" in Hebrew, English and Arabic.
Watermark:	Profile of Henrietta Szold.
Sign for the blind:	Three black dots in the lower left-hand corner of the front.
Colour of numbering:	Black.
Signatures:	Governor of the Bank Moshe Sanbar; Chairman of the Advisory Council David Horowitz.
Design:	Paul Kor, Adrian Senger.
Year:	1973.
Date of issue:	March 11, 1976.
Ceased to be legal tender:	March 31, 1984.

Size:	135 X 76 mm.
Dominant colour:	Pink-purple.
Front:	Portrait of Moshe Montefiori; the "Mishkanot Shaananim" quarter in Jerusalem with the windmill; the denomination "Ten Israeli Pounds" and "Bank of Israel" in Hebrew.
Back:	Jaffa Gate in the Old City of Jerusalem; "Bank of Israel" in Hebrew, English and Arabic.
Watermark:	Profile of Moshe Montefiori.
Sign for the blind:	Two black dots in the lower left-hand corner of the front.
Colour of numbering:	Black.
Signatures:	Governor of the Bank Moshe Sanbar; Chairman of the Advisory Council David Horowitz.
Design:	Paul Kor, Adrian Senger.
Year:	1973.
Date of issue:	January 30, 1975.
Ceased to be legal tender:	March 31, 1984.

Size:	141 X 76 mm.
Dominant colour:	Green.
Front:	Portrait of Chaim Weizmann; the Wix Library at the Weizmann Institute of Science; the denomination "Fifty Israeli Pounds" and "Bank of Israel" in Hebrew.
Back:	Damascus gate in the Old City of Jerusalem; "Bank of Israel" in Hebrew, English and Arabic.
Watermark:	Profile of Ch. Weizmann.
Sign for the blind:	One black dot in the lower left-hand corner of the front.
Colour of numbering:	Black.
Signatures:	Governor of the Bank Moshe Sanbar; Chairman of the Advisory Council David Horowitz.
Design:	Paul Kor, Adrian Senger.
Year:	1973.
Date of issue:	January 26, 1978.
Ceased to be legal tender:	March 31, 1984.

Size:	147 X 76 mm.
Dominant colour:	Blue.
Front:	Portrait of Theodor Herzl; the entrance gate to Mt. Herzl in Jerusalem; the denomination "One Hundred Israeli Pounds" and "Bank of Israel" in Hebrew.
Back:	Zion Gate in the Old City of Jerusalem; "Bank of Israel" in Hebrew, English and Arabic.
Watermark:	Profile of Theodor Herzl.
Colour of numbering:	Black.
Signatures:	Governor of the Bank Moshe Sanbar; Chairman of the Advisory Council David Horowitz.
Design:	Paul Kor, Adrian Senger.
Year:	1973.
Date of issue:	March 14, 1975.
Ceased to be legal tender:	March 31, 1984.

Size:	153 X 76 mm.
Dominant colour:	Ivory-brown.
Front:	Portrait of David Ben-Gurion; the library at kibbutz Sde Boker; the denomination "Five Hundred Israeli Pounds" and "Bank of Israel" in Hebrew.
Back:	Golden Gate in the Old City of Jerusalem; "Bank of Israel" in Hebrew, English and Arabic.
Watermark:	Profile of David Ben-Gurion.
Sign for the blind:	A black oval in the lower left-hand corner of the front.
Colour of numbering:	Black.
Signatures:	Governor of the Bank Moshe Sanbar; Chairman of the Advisory Council David Horowitz.
Design:	Dutch artists.
Year:	1975.
Date of issue:	May 26, 1977.
Ceased to be legal tender:	March 31, 1984.

Sheqel Series

1 Sheqel
5 Sheqalim
10 Sheqalim
50 Sheqalim
100 Sheqalim
500 Sheqalim
1000 Sheqalim
5000 Sheqalim
10000 Sheqalim

On June 4, 1969 the Knesset passed a law providing for the sheqel to become the currency of Israel at a date to be determined on the recommendation of the Governor of the Bank of Israel. In November 1977 conditions were considered ripe for implementing this law, and in May 1978 Prime Minister Menachem Begin and Finance Minister Simcha Erlich approved the Governor's proposal to introduce a series of sheqel banknotes identical to the Israeli pound notes except for the denominations, which were to be determined by dropping one zero from the denominations of the pound series.

The notes were prepared in the same colour and size and with the same portraits as the pound series in order to make it easier for the public to become familiar with the new denominations.

The preparations were conducted in complete secrecy over a period of more than two years. On February 22, 1980 the sheqel was declared legal tender, and the first notes went into circulation on February 24, 1980.

This was the largest series of banknotes in the history of the State of Israel. Initially there were four denominations (1,5, 10 and 50 sheqalim), but as inflation accelerated, another five were added between 1981 and 1985 - 100, 500, 1,000, 5,000 and 10,000 sheqalim.

Beginning with the IS 500 denomination, the banknotes were printed in distinct colours and standard size (76x138 mm), thus achieving a considerable economy in production costs. A new security device - a look-through - was incorporated, while special signs for the blind continued to be printed in various geometrical forms.

Size:	135 X 76 mm.
Dominant colour:	Purple.
Front:	Portrait of Moshe Montefiori: the ",Mishkanot Shaananim quarter in Jerusalem with the windmill: the denomination "One Sheqel" and "Bank of Israel" in Hebrew.
Back:	Jaffa Gate in the Old City of Jerusalem; "Bank of Israel" in Hebrew, English and Arabic.
Watermark:	Profile of Moshe Montefiori.
Sign for the blind:	Two black dots in the lower left-hand corner of the front.
Colour of numbering:	Black.
Signatures:	Governor of the Bank Arnon Gafni; Chairman of the Advisory Council David Horowitz.
Design:	Paul Kor, Adrian Senger.
Year:	1978.
Date of issue:	February 24, 1980.
Ceased to be legal tender:	September 4, 1986.

Size:	141 X 76 mm.
Dominant colour:	Green.
Front:	Portrait of Chaim Weizmann; the Wix Library at the Weizmann Institute of Science; the denomination "Five Sheqalim" and "Bank of Israel" in Hebrew.
Back:	Damascus Gate in the Old City of Jerusalem; "Bank of Israel" in Hebrew, English and Arabic.
Watermark:	Profile of Ch. Weizmann.
Sign for the blind:	A black dot the lower left-hand corner of the front.
Colour of numbering:	Black.
Signatures:	Governor of the Bank Arnon Gafni; Chairman of the Advisory Council David Horowitz.
Design:	Paul Kor, Adrian Senger.
Year:	1978.
Date of issue:	February 24, 1980.
Ceased to be legal tender:	September 4, 1986.

Size:	147 X 76 mm.
Dominant colour:	Blue.
Front:	Portrait of Theodor Herzl; the entrance gate to Mt. Herzl in Jerusalem; the denomination "Ten Sheqalim" and "Bank of Israel" in Hebrew.
Back:	Zion Gate in the Old City of Jerusalem; "Bank of Israel" in Hebrew, English and Arabic.
Watermark:	Profile of Theodor Herzl.
Colour of numbering:	Black.
Signatures:	Governor of the Bank Arnon Gafni; Chairman of the Advisory Council David Horowitz.
Design:	Paul Kor, Adrian Senger.
Year:	1978.
Date of issue:	February 24, 1980.
Ceased to be legal tender:	September 4, 1986.

Size:	153 X 76 mm.
Dominant colour:	Ivory-brown.
Front:	Portrait of David Ben-Gurion; the library at kibbutz Sde Boker; the denomination "Fifty Sheqalim" and "Bank of Israel" Hebrew.
Back:	Golden Gate in the Old City of Jerusalem; "Bank of Israel" in Hebrew, English and Arabic.
Watermark:	Profile of David Ben-Gurion.
Sign for the blind:	A black oval in the lower left-hand corner of the front.
Colour of numbering:	Black.
Signatures:	Governor of the Bank Arnon Gafni; Chairman of the Advisory Council David Horowitz.
Design:	Dutch artists.
Year:	1978.
Date of issue:	February 24, 1980.
Ceased to be legal tender:	September 4, 1986.

Size:	159 X 76 mm.
Dominant colour:	Orange-brown.
Front:	Portrait of Ze'ev Jabotinsky; the old inn "Shuni" near Binyamina; the denomination "One Hundred Sheqalim" and "Bank of Israel" in Hebrew.
Back:	Herod Gate in the Old City of Jerusalem; the word "Jerusalem" in microtext; "Bank of Israel" in Hebrew, English and Arabic.
Watermark:	Profile of Ze'ev Jabotinsky.
Security thread:	On the left-hand side of the note.
Look-through:	The first zero in the number "100" In the upper left-hand corner of the front merges with the corresponding zero in the number "100" in the upper right-hand corner of the back.
Sign for the blind:	Parallel horizontal lines, narrow In the middle and wide in the upper and lower sides.
Colour of numbering:	Black.
Signatures:	Governor of the Bank Arnon Gafni; Chairman of the Advisory Council David Horowitz.
Design:	Dutch artists.
Year:	1979.
Date of issue:	December 11, 1980.
Ceased to be legal tender:	September 4, 1986.
Note:	A special issue of this denomination has two brown squares beside the numbering.

Size:	138 X 76 mm.
Dominant colour:	Red.
Front:	Portrait of Baron Edmond de Rothschild; a group of agricultural workers; the denomination "Five Hundred Sheqalim" and "Bank of Israel" in Hebrew.
Back:	Cluster of grapes; names of 44 settlements in the Land of Israel in two lines of microprint, "500 Sheqalim" and "Bank of Israel" in Arabic and English.
Watermark:	Portrait of Edmond de Rothschild.
Security thread:	In the middle of the note.
Look-through:	Four rhombi on the front merge with two rhombi on the back to form a Star of David when held against the light.
Sign for the blind:	A small circle in the lower right-hand corner of the front.
Colour of numbering:	Black.
Signatures:	Governor of the Bank Moshe Mandelbaum; Chairman of the Advisory Council Haim Barkai.
Design:	Zvi Narkiss.
Year:	1982.
Date of issue:	December 1, 1982.
Ceased to be legal tender:	September 4, 1986.

Size:	138 X 76 mm.
Dominant colour:	Green.
Front:	Portrait of Maimonides (Rambam); a passage from his manuscript of the "Mishneh Tora" (code of Jewish law); the denomination "One Thousand Sheqalim" and "Bank of Israel" in Hebrew.
Back:	Stylized view of Tiberias where Maimonides is buried; an ancient candelabrum; the denomination "1000 Sheqalim" and "Bank of Israel" in Arabic and English.
Watermark:	Portrait of Maimonides.
Security thread:	In the middle of the note.
Look-through:	A triangle on the front merges with a triangle on the back to form a Star of David when held against the light.
Sign for the blind:	A triangle in the lower right-hand corner of the front.
Colour of numbering:	Black.
Signatures:	Governor of the Bank Moshe Mandelbaum; Chairman of the Advisory Council Avraham Shapira.
Design:	Zvi Narkiss, assisted by Arie Glazer.
Year:	1983.
Date of issue:	November 17, 1983.
Ceased to be legal tender:	September 4, 1986.
Note:	In some of the banknotes the word "Harav" in Hebrew is misprinted as "Rarav".

Size:	138 X 76 mm.
Dominant colour:	Blue.
Front:	Portrait of Levi Eshkol; a panorama of united Jerusalem; the denomination "Five Thousand Sheqalim" and "Bank of Israel" in Hebrew.
Back:	Pipe carrying water, symbolizing Eshkol's enterprise, against a background of meadow and barren land: the denomination "5000 Sheqalim" and "Bank of Israel" in Arabic and English.
Watermark:	Portrait of Levi Eshkol.
Security thread:	In the middle of the note.
Look-through:	A geometric pattern on the front merges with a pattern on the back to form a Star of David when held against the light.
Sign for the blind:	A square in the upper right-hand corner of the front.
Colour of numbering:	Black.
Signatures:	Governor of the Bank Moshe Mandelbaum; Chairman of the Advisory Council Avraham Shapira.
Design:	Jacob Zim.
Year:	1984.
Date of issue:	August 9, 1984.
Ceased to be legal tender:	September 4, 1986.

Size:	138 X 76 mm.
Dominant colour:	Orange.
Front:	Portrait of Golda Meir; a stylized tree with intertwining branches against a background of seven-branched candelabra and the words "Let my people go" in microprint; the denomination "Ten Thousand Sheqalim" and "Bank of Israel" in Hebrew.
Back:	Picture of Golda Meir among a gathering of Russian Jews in front of the Moscow synagogue; the words "Let my people go" in the background in large and tiny letters; the denomination "10000 Sheqalim" and "Bank of Israel" in Arabic and English.
Watermark:	Portrait of Golda Meir.
Security thread:	In the middle of the note.
Look-through:	A four-branched candelabrum on the front merges with a three-branched candelabrum on the back to form a seven-branched candelabrum when held against the light.
Sign for the blind:	A rhombus in the upper right-hand corner of the front.
Colour of numbering:	Black.
Signatures:	Governor of the Bank Moshe Mandelbaum; Chairman of the Advisory Council Avraham Shapira.
Design:	Asher Kalderon.
Year:	1984.
Date of issue:	November 27, 1984.
Ceased to be legal tender:	September 4, 1986.

First Series of the New Sheqel

1 NIS
5 NIS
10 NIS
20 NIS
50 NIS
100 NIS
200 NIS

On September 4, 1985 the new sheqel, equal to 1,000 old sheqalim, became the currency of Israel. The dropping of three zeros from the old sheqel denominations was intended to simplify money calculations and to facilitate cash payments and financial recording. The name "sheqel" was retained so as not to deviate from the original intention of the legislator as embodied in the Sheqel Currency Law, 5729-1969, viz., to preserve the ancient name of Israel's coinage.

The first series included a new denomination - NIS 50. Later on a NIS 100 banknote was introduced, and in 1986, for the first time since the establishment of the state, an intermediate denomination (NIS 20) was issued.

The new sheqel series continues the trend of perpetuating the memory of prominent personages in Jewish history. The colours and other characteristics of the first banknotes are similar to those of the old sheqel series. The NIS 20, NIS 50, NIS 100 and NIS 200 notes were printed in distinct colours different from the previous ones in order to facilitate their identification by the public.

Size:	138 X 76 mm.
Dominant colour:	Green.
Front:	Portrait of Maimonides (Rambam); a passage from his manuscript of the "Mishneh Tora" (code of Jewish law); the denomination "One New Sheqel" and "Bank of Israel" in Hebrew.
Back:	Stylized view of Tiberias where Maimonides is buried; an ancient candelabrum; the denomination "1 New Sheqel" and "Bank of Israel" in Arabic and English.
Watermark:	Portrait of Maimonides.
Security thread:	In the middle of the note.
Look-through:	A triangle on the front merges with a triangle on the back to form a Star of David when held against the light.
Sign for the blind:	A triangle in the lower right-hand corner of the front.
Colour of numbering:	Black.
Signatures:	Governor of the Bank Moshe Mandelbaurn; Chairman of the Advisory Council Avraham Shapira.
Design:	Zvi Narkiss assisted by Arie Glazer.
Year:	1986.
Date of issue:	May 8, 1986.

Size:	138 X 76 mm.
Dominant colour:	Blue.
Front:	Portrait of Levi Eshkol; a panorama of united Jerusalem; the denomination "Five New Sheqallm" and "Bank of Israel" in Hebrew.
Back:	Pipe carrying water, symbolizing Eshkol's enterprise, against a background of meadow and barren land; the denomination "5 New Sheqalim" and "Bank of Israel" in Arabic and English.
Watermark:	Portrait of Levi Eshkol.
Security thread:	In the centre of the note.
Look-through:	A geometric pattern on the front merges with a pattern on the back to form a Star of David when held against the light.
Sign for the blind:	A square in the upper right-hand corner of the front.
Colour of numbering:	Black.
Signatures:	Governor of the Bank: in series A, Moshe Mandelbaum, in series B, Michael Bruno; Chairman of the Advisory Council: in series A, Avraham Shapira, in series B, Shlomo Lorincz.
Design:	Jacob Zim.
Year:	1985.
Date of issue:	September 4, 1985.

Size:	138 X 76 mm.
Dominant colour:	Orange.
Front:	Portrait of Golda Meir; a stylized tree with intertwining branches against a background of seven-branched candelabra and the words "Let my people go" in microprint; the denomination "Ten New Sheqalim" and "Bank of Israel" in Hebrew.
Back:	Picture of Golda Meir among a gathering of Russian Jews in front of the Moscow synagogue; the words "Let my people go" in the background in large and tiny letters; the denomination "10 New Sheqalim" and "Bank of Israel" in Arabic and English.
Watermark:	Portrait of Golda Meir.
Security thread:	In the middle of the note.
Look-through:	A four-branched candelabrum on the front merges with a three-branched candelabrum on the back to form a seven-branched candelabrum when held against the light.
Sign for the blind:	A rhombus in the upper right-hand corner of the front.
Colour of numbering:	Black.
Signatures:	Governor of the Bank: in series A, Moshe Mandelbaum, in series B, Michael Bruno; Chairman of the Advisory Council: in series A, Avraham Shapira, in series B, Shlomo Lorincz.
Design:	Asher Kalderon.
Year:	1985.
Date of issue:	September 4, 1985.

Size:	138 X 76 mm.
Dominant colour:	Dark-grey.
Front:	Portrait of Moshe Sharett; below, in a line legible under a magnifying glass, the titles of his seven books; the ceremony of the unfurling of the Israeli flag by Sharett at the U.N. building in 1949; the denomination "Twenty New Sheqalim" and "Bank of Israel" in Hebrew.
Back:	Original building of the Herzlia high school where Sharett studied; a background of Little Tel Aviv; the denomination "20 New Sheqalim" and "Bank of Israel" in Arabic and English.
Watermark:	Portrait of Moshe Sharett.
Security thread:	In the middle of the note.
Look-through:	Six small triangles on the front merge with two rhombi and two triangles on the back to form a Star of David when held against the light.
Sign for the blind:	A tilted square within a square in the upper right-hand corner of the front.
Colour of numbering:	Black.
Signatures:	Governor of the Bank Michael Bruno; Chairman of the Advisory Council Shlomo Lorincz.
Design:	Zvi Narkiss assisted by Arie Glazer.
Year:	1987.
Date of issue:	April 2, 1988.

Size:	138 X 76 mm.
Dominant colour:	Purple.
Front:	Portrait of S.Y. Agnon; the denomination "Fifty New Sheqalim" and "Bank of Israel" in Hebrew.
Back:	A skyline of Jerusalem and a Jewish townlet in Eastern Europe; titles of 18 books by Agnon in microprint; the denomination "50 New Sheqalim" and "Bank of Israel" in Arabic and English.
Watermark:	Portrait of S.Y. Agnon.
Security thread:	In the middle of the note.
Look-through:	A three-sided pattern on the front merges with another on the back to form a Star of David when held against the light.
Sign for the blind:	A pentagon in the upper right-hand corner of the front.
Colour of numbering:	Black.
Signatures:	Governor of the Bank Moshe Mandelbaurn; Chairman of the Advisory Council Avraham Shapira.
Design:	Eliezer Weishoff.
Year:	1985.
Date of issue:	September 4, 1985.

Size:	138 X 76 mm.
Dominant colour:	Brown.
Front:	Portrait of Itzhak Ben-Zvi; to the right, In nine lines legible under a magnifying glass, the titles of his nine books; a background depicting a group of people representing different ethnic communities in Israel: the denomination "One Hundred New Sheqalim" and "Bank of Israel" in Hebrew.
Back:	A view of Peki'in village, researched by Ben-Zvi, including the synagogue, a carob tree and a cave; an ancient stone candelabrum, the denomination "100 New Sheqalim" and "Bank of Israel" in Arabic and English.
Watermark:	Portrait of Itzhak Ben-Zvi.
Security thread:	In the middle of the note.
Look-through:	A triangle on the front merges with a triangle on the back to form a Star of David when held against the light.
Sign for the blind:	A half-circle in the upper right-hand corner on the front.
Colour of numbering:	Black on the lower part of the note and green on the upper part.
Signatures:	Governor of the Bank Moshe Mandelbaum.
Design:	Zvi Narkiss.
Year:	1986.
Date of issue:	August 19, 1986.
Note:	The series dated 5749-1989 carries the signatures of the Governor Michael Bruno and Chairman of the Advisory Council Shlomo Lorincz.

Size:	138 X 76 mm.
Dominant colour:	Orange.
Front:	Portrait of Zalman Shazar, third president of Israel; Candelabrum formed from DNA molecule, as a symbol to the progress of science; In the background - the poem "compulsory education law" written by Natan Alterman in 1949; the denomination "Two Hundred New Sheqalim" and "Bank of Israel" in Hebrew.
Back:	A girl leaning over a table; Hebrew letters; the denomination "Two Hundred New Sheqalim" and "Bank of Israel" in Arabic and English.
Watermark:	Portrait of Zalman Shazar.
Security thread:	In the middle of the note.
Look-through:	Eight triangles on the front merge with four triangles on the back to form a Star of David when held against the light.
Sign for the blind:	An identical geometric form on the front and the back.
Colour of numbering:	Black on the lower part of the note and red on the upper part.
Signatures:	Governor of the Bank Prof. Michael Bruno and Chairman of the Advisory Council Shlomo Lorincz.
Design:	front: Moshe Pereg; back: Dror Ben-Dov.
Year:	1991.
Date of issue:	February 16, 1992.

Fractional Currency
25 mil coin – the State of Israel's first coin
Pruta Series
Agora and Pound Series
New Agora and Sheqel Series

Fractional Currency

50 Mils
100 Mils
50 Prutah
100 Prutah
250 Prutah

In the first years of the state there was a shortage of coins, and so the Finance Ministry decided to issue fractional currency to meet the need for small change.

This was the mil and the pruta series, both issued in 1952.

Size:	80 X 48 mm.
Dominant colour:	Red.
Front:	Mosaic from the floor of an ancient synagogue in Beit-Alpha; the denomination "Fifty Mils" and "Israel" in Hebrew and Arabic.
Back:	Mosaic from the floor of an ancient synagogue in Beit-Alpha; the denomination "50".
Colour of numbering:	Black.
Signatures:	Minister of Finance E. Kaplan.
Design:	Otte Wallish.
Date of issue:	October, 1948.
Ceased to be legal tender:	February 22, 1980.

Size:	80 X 48 mm.
Dominant colour:	Green.
Front:	Mosaic from the floor of an ancient synagogue in Beit-Alpha; the denomination "One Hundred Mils" and "Israel" in Hebrew and Arabic.
Back:	Mosaic from the floor of an ancient synagogue in Beit-Alpha; the denomination "100".
Colour of numbering:	Red.
Signatures:	Minister of Finance E. Kaplan.
Design:	Otte Wallish.
Date of issue:	October, 1948.
Ceased to be legal tender:	February 22, 1980.

Size:	70 X 42 mm.
Dominant colour:	Red or blue.
Front:	Guilloches; the denomination "50" and "State of Israel" in Hebrew and Arabic; "Legal Tender" in Hebrew.
Back:	Guilloches; the denomination "50".ancient synagogue in Beit-Alpha; the denomination "50".
Colour of numbering:	Green.
Signatures:	Minister of Finance E. Kaplan on some series, L. Eshkol on others; Accountant General M. Zagaggi on some series, A. Neeman on others (September 1952).
Design:	I. David.
Date of issue:	March-July, 1952.
Ceased to be legal tender:	February 22, 1980.

Size:	70 X 42 mm.
Dominant colour:	Green or blue.
Front:	Guilloches; the denomination "100" and "State of Israel" in Hebrew and Arabic; "Legal Tender" in Hebrew.
Back:	Guilloches; the denomination "100".
Colour of numbering:	Green.
Signatures:	Minister of Finance E. Kaplan on some series. L. Eshkol on others; Accountant General M. Zagaggi on some series. A. Neeman on others (September 1952).
Design:	I. David.
Date of issue:	March-July, 1952.
Ceased to be legal tender:	February 22, 1980.

Size:	100 X 55 mm.
Dominant colour:	Green.
Front:	Guilloches; the denomination "Two Hundred and Fifty Pruta" in Hebrew; "State of Israel" in Hebrew and Arabic; "Legal Tender" in Hebrew.
Back:	View of Lake Kinneret; the denomination "250".
Colour of numbering:	Green.
Signatures:	Minister of Finance L. Eshkol; Accountant General A. Neeman.
Design:	Shamir Brothers.
Date of issue:	December 10, 1953.
Ceased to be legal tender:	February 22, 1980.

25 mil coin – the State of Israel's first coin

25 Mil Coin

The Anglo-Palestine Bank Ltd., which prepared the first banknotes even before the State was declared, did not prepare coins. The first steps toward issuing coins were taken by the State itself after its establishment. It was done very quickly, after realizing that there was a shortage of British Mandate coins, which were then in circulation.

Israel's government requested proposals for the design of a new coin series from the Israel Numismatics Society. Until those were ready, a coin with a value of 25 mil was issued. The term "mil" was carried over from the British Mandate. The first coin in the new series, a 50 pruta coin, was only entered into circulation on May 11, 1949.

The minting year 5708 (1948) appears only on 25 mil coins which were minted in Jerusalem; those printed in Holon bear the minting year 5709.

Diameter:	30 mm.
Weight:	3.1-3.8 gr.
Edge:	Smooth.
Obverse:	Cluster of grapes; "Israel" in Hebrew and Arabic.
Origin of motif:	Bar-Kochba coin (132 - 135 C.E.).
Reverse:	The denomination "25 Mils" in Hebrew and Arabic; the date in Hebrew; two stylized olive branches.
Alloy:	Aluminium 97%, magnesium 3%.
Date of issue:	April 6, 1949.
Ceased to be legal tender:	September 6, 1950.

Pruta Series

1 Pruta
5 Pruta
10 Pruta
10 Pruta
25 Pruta
50 Pruta
100 Pruta
100 Pruta
250 Pruta
500 Pruta

Following the establishment of the State, the government requested the Israel Numismatic Society to propose the designs for a new series of coins. Leo Kadman and Hanan Pavel, together with the graphic artist Otte Wallish, submitted sketches, which were approved by the Minister of Finance, Eliezer Kaplan.

The singular form "pruta" instead of the plural "prutot" was erroneously minted on the five- and ten-pruta coins; this was corrected in a later series of the ten-pruta coins, but not the five-pruta.

Diameter:	21 mm.
Weight:	1.3 gr.
Edge:	Smooth.
Obverse:	Anchor; "Israel" in Hebrew and Arabic.
Origin of motif:	Coin of Alexander Jannaeus (76 - 103 B.C.E.).
Reverse:	The denomination "1 Pruta" and the date in Hebrew; two stylized olive branches around the rim.
Alloy:	Aluminium 97%, magnesium 3%.
Date of issue:	October 25, 1950.
Ceased to be legal tender:	February 22, 1980.

Diameter:	20 mm.
Weight:	3.2 gr.
Edge:	Smooth.
Obverse:	Four-stringed lyre; "Israel" in Hebrew and Arabic.
Origin of motif:	Bar-Kochba coin (132 - 135 C.E.).
Reverse:	The denomination "5 Pruta" and the date in Hebrew; two stylized olive branches around the rim.
Alloy:	Copper 95%, tin 3%, zinc 2%.
Date of issue:	December 28, 1950.
Ceased to be legal tender:	February 22, 1980.

Diameter:	27 mm.
Weight:	6.1 gr.
Edge:	Smooth.
Obverse:	Two-handled amphora; "Israel" in Hebrew and Arabic.
Origin of motif:	Bar-Kochba coin (132 - 135 C.E.).
Reverse:	The denomination "10 Pruta" and the date in Hebrew; two stylized olive branches around the rim.
Alloy:	Copper 95%, tin 3%, zinc 2%.
Date of issue:	January 4, 1950.
Ceased to be legal tender:	February 22, 1980.

Special issues

Details of coin:	Same as above except the following.
Edge:	Smooth.
Denomination:	"10 Prutot".
Year:	1957
Date of issue:	December 27, 1956.

Diameter:	24.5 mm.
Weight:	1.6 gr.
Edge:	Scalloped.
Obverse:	Single-handled jug flanked with palm branches; "Israel" in Hebrew and Arabic.
Origin of motif:	Bar-Kochba coin (132 - 135 C.E.).
Reverse:	The denomination "10 Pruta" and the date in Hebrew; two stylized olive branches around the rim.
Alloy:	Aluminium 97%, magnesium 3%.
Date of issue:	September 18, 1952.
Ceased to be legal tender:	February 22, 1980.

Diameter:	19.5 mm.
Weight:	2.8 gr.
Edge:	Milled.
Obverse:	Cluster of grapes; "Israel" in Hebrew and Arabic.
Origin of motif:	Bar-Kochba coin (132 - 135 C.E.).
Reverse:	The denomination "25 Pruta" and the date in Hebrew; two stylized olive branches around the rim.
Alloy:	Copper 75%, nickel 25%.
Date of issue:	January 4, 1950.
Ceased to be legal tender:	February 22, 1980.

Diameter:	23.5 mm.
Weight:	5.6 gr.
Edge:	Milled/smooth.
Obverse:	Vine leaf; "Israel" in Hebrew and Arabic.
Origin of motif:	Coin from the war of the Jews against Rome (66 - 70 C.E.).
Reverse:	The denomination "50 Pruta" and the date in Hebrew; two stylized olive branches around the rim.
Alloy:	Copper 75%, nickel 25%.
Date of issue:	May 11, 1949.
Ceased to be legal tender:	February 22, 1980.

Diameter:	28.5 mm.
Weight:	11.3 gr.
Edge:	Milled.
Obverse:	Palm tree; "Israel" in Hebrew and Arabic.
Origin of motif:	Bar-Kochba coin (132 - 135 C.E.).
Reverse:	The denomination "100 Pruta" and the date in Hebrew; two stylized olive branches around the rim.
Alloy:	Copper 75%, nickel 25%
Date of issue:	May 25, 1949.
Ceased to be legal tender:	February 22, 1980.

Diameter:	25.6 mm.
Weight:	7.3 gr.
Edge:	Smooth.
Obverse:	Palm tree; "Israel" in Hebrew and Arabic.
Origin of motif:	Bar-Kochba coin (132 - 135 C.E.).
Reverse:	The denomination "100 Pruta" and the date in Hebrew; two stylized olive branches.
Alloy:	Steel 90%, nickel 10%.
Date of issue:	April 21, 1955.
Ceased to be legal tender:	February 22, 1980.

Diameter:	32.2 mm.
Weight:	14.1 gr.
Edge:	Milled.
Obverse:	Three palm branches; "Israel" in Hebrew and Arabic.
Origin of motif:	Coin minted during the war of the Jews against Rome (66 - 70 C.E.).
Reverse:	The denomination "250 Pruta" and the date in Hebrew; two stylized olive branches around the rim.
Alloy:	Copper 75%, nickel 25%
Date of issue:	October 11, 1950.
Ceased to be legal tender:	February 22, 1980.

Diameter:	37.1 mm.
Weight:	25 gr.
Edge:	Milled.
Obverse:	Three pomegranates; "Israel" in Hebrew and Arabic.
Origin of motif:	Coin minted during the war of the Jews against Rome (66 - 70 C.E.).
Reverse:	The denomination "500 Pruta" and the date in Hebrew; two stylized olive branches around the rim.
Alloy:	Silver 50%, copper 37.5%, nickel 12.5%.
Date of issue:	May 22, 1952.
Ceased to be legal tender:	February 22, 1980.

Agora and Pound Series

1 Agora
5 Agorot
10 Agorot
25 Agorot
1/2 Israeli Pound
1 Israeli Pound
1 Israeli Pound
5 Israeli Pounds

After the government decided to change the division of the Israel pound from 1,000 prutot to 100 agorot, the new coins were put into circulation starting January 1, 1960.

The name "agora" was taken from 1 Sam. 2:36.

Later on coins were issued in place of Israeli pound banknotes that had been withdrawn from circulation: the IL 1/2 and IL 1 coins in 1963, a different series of IL 1 coins in 1967, and the IL 5 coin in 1978.

Diameter:	20 mm.
Weight:	1.03 gr.
Edge:	Scalloped.
Obverse:	Three ears of barley; "Israel" in Hebrew and Arabic.
Origin of motif:	Coin of Agrippa I (37 - 44 C.E.).
Reverse:	The denomination "1 Agora" and the date in Hebrew.
Alloy:	Aluminium 97%, magnesium 3%.
Design:	Obverse: Rothschild and Lippman. Reverse: Shamir Brothers.
Date of issue:	May 12, 1960.
Ceased to be legal tender:	February 22, 1980.

Special issues

Addition to the Reverse:	The word "Hanukka" in Hebrew and English separated by a tiny candelabrum.
All other details:	unchanged.
Design:	Gabi Neumann.
Year:	1984.
Date of issue:	November 1, 1983.

Diameter:	17.5 mm.
Weight:	2.3 gr.
Edge:	Smooth.
Obverse:	Three ripe pomegranates; "Israel" in Hebrew and Arabic.
Origin of motif:	Carving in a frieze found in an ancient synagogue at Capernaum.
Reverse:	The denomination "5 Agorot" and the date in Hebrew.
Alloy:	Copper 92%, aluminium 6%, nickel 2%.
Design:	Obverse: Rothschild and Lippman. Reverse: Shamir Brothers.
Date of issue:	October 20, 1960.
Ceased to be legal tender:	February 22, 1980.

Diameter:	21.5 mm.
Weight:	5 gr.
Edge:	Smooth.
Obverse:	Palm tree; "Israel" in Hebrew and Arabic.
Origin of motif:	Bar-Kochba coin (132 - 135 C.E.).
Reverse:	The denomination "10 Agorot" and the date in Hebrew.
Alloy:	Copper 92%, aluminium 6%, nickel 2%.
Design:	Obverse: Rothschild and Lippman. Reverse: Shamir Brothers.
Date of issue:	May 6, 1960.
Ceased to be legal tender:	March 31, 1984.

Diameter:	25.5 mm.
Weight:	6.5 gr.
Edge:	Smooth.
Obverse:	Three-stringed lyre; "Israel" in Hebrew and Arabic.
Origin of motif:	Bar-Kochba coin (132 - 135 C.E.).
Reverse:	The denomination "25 Agorot" and the date in Hebrew.
Alloy:	Copper 92%, aluminium 6%, nickel 2%.
Design:	Obverse: Rothschild and Lippman. Reverse: Shamir Brothers.
Date of issue:	May 17, 1960.
Ceased to be legal tender:	February 22, 1980.

Diameter:	24.5 mm.
Weight:	6.8 gr.
Edge:	Milled.
Obverse:	The emblem of the State of Israel; "Israel" in Hebrew, Arabic and English.
Origin of motif:	Relief of the Arch of Titus.
Reverse:	The denomination "1/2 Israeli Pound" and the date in Hebrew.
Alloy:	Aluminium 97%, magnesium 3%.Copper 75%, nickel 25%.
Design:	Obverse: Rothschild and Lippman. Reverse: Shamir Brothers.
Date of issue:	September 12, 1963.
Ceased to be legal tender:	March 31, 1984.

Diameter:	27.5 mm.
Weight:	9 gr.
Edge:	Milled.
Obverse:	The emblem of the State of Israel; "Israel" in Hebrew, Arabic and English.
Origin of motif:	Relief of the Arch of Titus.
Reverse:	The denomination "1 Israeli Pound" and the date in Hebrew.
Alloy:	Copper 75%, nickel 25%.
Design:	Obverse: Rothschild and Lippman. Reverse: Shamir brothers.
Date of issue:	September 12, 1963.
Ceased to be legal tender:	March 31, 1984.

Diameter:	27.5 mm.
Weight:	9 gr.
Edge:	Alternatingly milled and smooth.
Obverse:	Three pomegranates; the emblem of the State of Israel; "Israel" in Hebrew, Arabic and English.
Origin of motif:	Coin minted during the war of the Jews against Rome (66 - 70 C.E.).
Reverse:	The denomination "1" between two stars; "One Israeli Pound" and the date in Hebrew.
Alloy:	Copper 75%, nickel 25%.
Design:	Obverse: Rothschild and Lippman. Reverse: Zvi Narkiss.
Date of issue:	mid-September, 1967.
Ceased to be legal tender:	March 31, 1984.

Diameter:	30 mm.
Weight:	11.2 gr.
Edge:	Smooth.
Obverse:	Roaring lion; the emblem of the State of Israel; "Israel" in Hebrew, Arabic and English.
Origin of motif:	An ancient Hebrew seal found at Megiddo.
Reverse:	The denomination "5 Israeli Pounds" and the date in Hebrew.
Alloy:	Copper 75%, nickel 25%.
Design:	Nathan Karp.
Models:	S. Kretchmer.
Date of issue:	September 21, 1978.
Ceased to be legal tender:	March 31, 1984.

New Agora and Sheqel Series

1 New Agora
5 New Agorot
10 New Agorot
1/2 Sheqel
1 Sheqel
5 Sheqalim
10 Sheqalim
50 Sheqalim
100 Sheqalim

With the introduction of the sheqel on February 24, 1980, a series of new agora coins was put into circulation. One new agora was equal to ten (old) agorot.

The motifs of the first four coins in the series (1, 5, and 10 new agorot and 1/2 sheqel) were identical to those of the same value coins in the previous series. The denomination side was designed by the Currency Supply Unit of the Bank of Israel by combining letters from previous issues. This was done because it was decided not to commission a graphic artist to do the job, in view of the secrecy that shrouded the preparation of the sheqel series. The foreign mints that struck the coins also prepared the models, on the basis of these designs.

Starting with the IS 1 coin, the designs were prepared by graphic artists selected in competitions after the veil of secrecy was lifted.

This series consisted of nine denominations, the largest number in any one series.

Diameter:	15 mm.
Weight:	0.6 gr.
Edge:	Smooth.
Obverse:	Palm tree; "Israel" in Hebrew and Arabic.
Origin of motif:	Bar-Kochba coin (132 - 135 C.E.).
Reverse:	The denomination "1 New Agora" and the date in Hebrew.
Alloy:	Aluminium 97%, magnesium 3%.
Design:	Currency Supply Unit, Bank of Israel.
Date of issue:	February 24, 1980.
Ceased to be legal tender:	September 4, 1985.

Special issues

Addition to the Reverse:	The word "Hanukka" in Hebrew and English separated by a tiny candelabrum.
All other details:	unchanged.
Design:	Gabi Neumann.
Year:	1985.
Date of issue:	December 2, 1984.

Diameter:	18.5 mm.
Weight:	0.9 gr.
Edge:	Milled.
Obverse:	The emblem of the State of Israel; "Israel" in Hebrew, Arabic and English.
Origin of motif:	Relief of the Arch of Titus.
Reverse:	The denomination "5 New Agorot" and the date in Hebrew.
Alloy:	Aluminium 97%, magnesium 3%.
Design:	Currency Supply Unit, Bank of Israel.
Date of issue:	February 24, 1980.
Ceased to be legal tender:	March 31, 1984.

Diameter:	16 mm.
Weight:	2.1 gr.
Edge:	Milled.
Obverse:	Three pomegranates; the emblem of the State of Israel; "Israel" in Hebrew, English and Arabic.
Origin of motif:	Coin minted during the war of the Jews against Rome (66 - 70 C.E.).
Reverse:	The denomination "10 New Agorot" and the date in Hebrew.
Alloy:	Copper 92%, nickel 8%.
Design:	Currency Supply Unit, Bank of Israel.
Date of issue:	February 24, 1980.
Ceased to be legal tender:	February 28, 1985.

Diameter:	20 mm.
Weight:	3 gr.
Edge:	Milled.
Obverse:	Roaring lion; the emblem of the State of Israel; "Israel" in Hebrew, English and Arabic.
Origin of motif:	An ancient seal found at Megiddo.
Reverse:	The denomination "1/2 Sheqel" and the date in Hebrew.
Alloy:	Copper 75%, nickel 25%.
Design:	Currency Supply Unit, Bank of Israel.
Date of issue:	February 24, 1980.
Ceased to be legal tender:	February 28, 1985.

Diameter:	23 mm.
Weight:	5 gr.
Edge:	Alternatingly milled and smooth.
Obverse:	Chalice; "Sheqel Israel" in Hebrew.
Origin of motif:	Coin minted during the war of the Jews against Rome (66 - 70 C.E.).
Reverse:	The denomination "1 Sheqel" in Hebrew; the emblem of the State of Israel; "Israel" in Hebrew, English and Arabic; the date in Hebrew.
Alloy:	Copper 75%, nickel 25%.
Design:	Obverse: Gabi Neumann. Reverse: Zvi Narkiss.
Models:	Tidhar Dagan.
Date of issue:	January 22, 1981.
Ceased to be legal tender:	September 4, 1985.

Diameter:	24 mm.
Weight:	6.1 gr.
Edge:	Milled.
Obverse:	Double cornucopia with pendant ribbon; the emblem of the State of Israel; "Israel" in Hebrew, English and Arabic.
Origin of motif:	Coin from the period of John Hyrcanus I (135 - 104 B.C.E.).
Reverse:	The denomination "5 Sheqalim" in Hebrew and English between two stars; the date in Hebrew.
Alloy:	Copper 92%, aluminium 6%, nickel 2%.
Design:	Obverse: Eliezer Weishoff. Reverse: Nathan Karp.
Models:	Obverse: Tidhar Dagan. Reverse: S. Kretchmer.
Date of issue:	September 10, 1981.
Ceased to be legal tender:	September 4, 1985.

Diameter:	26 mm.
Weight:	8 gr.
Edge:	Smooth.
Obverse:	Ancient galley; the emblem of the State of Israel; "Israel" in Hebrew, English and Arabic.
Origin of motif:	Coin issued by Herod Archelaus (4 B.C.E. - 6 C.E.).
Reverse:	The denomination "10 Sheqalim" in Hebrew and English between two stars; the date in Hebrew.
Alloy:	Copper 75%, Nickel 25%.
Design:	Gabi Neumann.
Models:	Tidhar Dagan
Date of issue:	February 25, 1982.
Ceased to be legal tender:	September 4, 1986.

Special issues

Obverse:	A silhouette of Theodor Herzl on a background formed by the repetition of the word "Herzl".
All other details:	unchanged.
Design:	Gabi Neumann.
Year:	1984.
Date of issue:	January 10, 1984.

Diameter:	28 mm.
Weight:	9 gr.
Edge:	Milled.
Obverse:	Replica of a coin from the fourth year of the war of the Jews against Rome depicting a lulav between two etrogim; the emblem of the State of Israel; "Israel" in Hebrew, English and Arabic.
Reverse:	The denomination "50 Sheqalim" in Hebrew and English between two stars; the date in Hebrew.
Alloy:	Copper 92%, aluminium 6%, nickel 2%.
Design:	Obverse: Gabi Neumann. Reverse: Nathan Karp.
Models:	Victor Houster.
Date of issue:	March 8, 1984.
Ceased to be legal tender:	September 4, 1986

Special issues

Obverse:	An image of David Ben-Gurion on a background of candelabra.
All other details:	unchanged.
Design:	Gabi Neumann.
Year:	1985.
Date of issue:	January 2, 1985.

Diameter:	29 mm.
Weight:	10.8 gr.
Edge:	Slant-structured, wide and deep reeds.
Obverse:	Replica of a coin issued by Mattathias Antigonus (37 - 40 B.C.E.) with the seven-branched candelabrum; the emblem of the State of Israel; "Israel" in Hebrew, English and Arabic.
Reverse:	The denomination "100 Sheqalim" in Hebrew and English; the date in Hebrew.
Alloy:	Copper 75%, nickel 25%.
Design:	Obverse: Nathan Karp. Reverse: Gabi Neumann.
Models:	Obverse: Victor Houster. Reverse: Tidhar Dagan.
Date of issue:	May 2, 1984.
Ceased to be legal tender:	September 4, 1985.

Special issues

Obverse:	A silhouette of Ze'ev Jabotinsky on a background of Stars of David.
All other details:	unchanged.
Design:	Gabi Neumann.
Year:	1985.
Date of issue:	May 12, 1985.

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