VIRTUAL JEWISH MUSEUM

Tokens of the Holy Land

Tokens in various metals, paper, and plastic have served the population since at least the mid - 19th century. They serve as small change, advertising, and means of accountability. Practically speaking, they continue to operate machines without re-tooling, even when the price changes. Many are now obsolete. Only a small selection is shown here.

Charity Overstamp.Tzadi, Lamed, Ayin

This is an Egyptian 10 Para bronze coin of Ottoman Sultan Abdul Aziz (1277/1861 - 1293/1876). It is dated 1861 but surely circulated for decades after. It was overstamped with three Hebrew letters: צלע which stands for צדקה (charity) לעניים (for the poor).

Tzadi. Lamed. Ayin

The coin is stamped 3 times with the Hebrew letters, although they are not fully struck up. Rotating the coin we can see most of the צ, all of the ל, and just the right edge of the ע. These may have been overstamped after World War One, when Ottoman coins lost all of their value.

1885.Zichron Yaakov

In 1885, the Moshav settlement Zichron Jacob issued these tokens in 1/4, 1/2, and 1 unit denominations. No denomination is mentioned - it may have been a piastre or matlik. The name appears in Hebrew and French. 'Zichron' was struggling to survive until baron Edmond Rothchild came to support it. Thus the name Zichron Yaakov in memory of his father Jacob/James. The tokens, struck in France, were popular among locals but were soon withdrawn, labeled illegal and rebellious against the Sultan.

Templar Tokens

The Templars were German Protestants who moved to the Holy Land starting 1868. They had there own farms and colonies, and engaged in trade and industry. The 'Centralcasse', their main financial organization, issued tokens which circulated from about 1880 to WWI. They were issued in brass and in nickel-lead and denominated in 5, 10, 20, and 40 Turkish Paras. This brass 10 Para is 18 mm. The inscription reads 'Centralcasse des Templars' and pictures a plough in the center. Withdrawn after WWI.

Petah Tikvah

These zinc tokens bear the letters פ ת and the number (1 or) 2. They are crudely made, 20 mm in diameter. They are attributed to the town of Petah Tikvah and were issued before WWI. There is no denomination and it is presumed that they were used for charity. Here the ת is unclear. They are struck uniface.

Tzedakah.Chevra Kadisha

Another token created for charity in the ottoman Empire. These are in yellow or white brass, about 27 mm. Crudely hand made. The Hebrew letters צ'ד'\'ח'ק' are assumed to stand for צדקה (charity) and חברא קדישא (holy society/burial society). Reportedly 20 of these could be exchanged for 10 Paras. They were given as charity, particularly in association with Jewish funerals. The back is the negative of the front.

Tzedakah Tazil Mimaves

A similar charity token, 14 x 12 mm, is also struck in brass. Here too the words are pressed into the metal. They read: צדקה \ תציל \ ממות (charity saves from death). These small tokens are reportedly from Jerusalem.

Butchers Token.Shechita Daka

This square undated token was purchased and used to pay for Kosher slaughter. The Shochet (butcher) would hand them in to be paid his salary. It reads in Hebrew: "Sachar Shechitah Daka' - that is 'payment for slaughter of a small animal' (generally a goat or sheep, rather than a cow). Reportedly used in the 1930s. It is found in several shades of brass. 26 mm.

Cafe Werner

Zvi Werner came to Palestine from Vienna, Austria in 1934. He opened a restaurant in Haifa in 1935 and used this tokens internally and also to make change. They were struck in bronze and copper-nickel, in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, & 50 (mils). Shown here are the 20 (23 mm) and 40 (28 mm) in copper-nickel. The cafe closed in 1951.

Kofer Hayishuv.1938

Kofer Hayishuv, meaning 'Settlement Redemption', was a fund established in 1938 to pay for security costs in the wake of the Arab Revolt of 1936 - 39. The funds were raised through voluntary taxes on imported goods, and contributions. This token was apparently a tax receipt but fell into use as small change (1/2 Mil), for example as bus fare. 17 mm. Inscribed in Hebrew: "Kofer HaYishuv / 5699 (1938-9) / Bar Tav (?) 1/2 Mil".

Telephones.1953

This token operated public phones in the 1950s. It was apparently minted flat and then punched to indent it. The date 5713 (1953) can be read faintly under the Hebrew word for 'Telephone'. 27 mm.

Telephones.Varieties

Above is a rare example of the token before indentation. the date is very clear. Below it is an example that appears to be struck from a then current 10 Prutah coin. Accidental? Counterfeit? Emergency use?

Telephone.Small.

A new smaller token was introduced in 1964, only 19 mm. They were initially issued in brass under the auspices of the Israel Post office. They were followed by copper-nickel issue in 1966. Newer issues in 1981 were under the auspices of the Minister of Communication. Lastly in 1987 they were issued by Bezek, a government -owned corporation, which later was privatized. Newer phones are operated by plastic telephone cards. These tokens are collected by minute varieties.

Carmelit

The Carmelit is an underground rail line built in the 1950s. Three tokens were used to pay the fare. Reportedly, the smaller brass token, reading 'Hadar', was for the limited fare when boarding in the middle of the route. The larger copper-nickel token reading 'Carmel' was for a full end-to end trip. Later a token reading 'Carmelit' was introduced. 15, 17, & 17 mm respectively.

Lod Airport

This token reads 'Lod Airport' in English and Hebrew. It was used by visitors who wished to enter the observation deck at the airport. Copper-nickel 20 mm.

Bus.Darom Yehudah

Darom Yehudah was a cooperative transportation company in the 1930s & 40s. It was the main connection between the south and the rest of the country. This token for fare was issued in 1950 and reads '2 Prutot'. In 1951 they were incorporated into what became 'Eged', the consolidated bus company. Notice the steering wheel design on the front. Aluminum 23 mm.

Bus.cardboard

Shortages of small change in the early 1950s gave rise to cardboard tokens, especially needed by bus companies. They issued these, approximately 30 x 38 mm, as change which inevitably circulated until worn out. These two bear the symbols of their bus companies - on the left 'Eshed' and on the right 'Dan'. When they wore out, their value was contributed to Israel's Red Magen David organization.

Bus Token.Hamekasher

Hamekasher (Connection) bus company served Jerusalem starting 1942. Denominated 2 Mils. Later they combined with Egged bus company. 41 mm. square. Found in 1 and 2 Mil denominations.

Bus Token.Shahar

Serving Haifa starting 1949. 34 mm in diameter. Found in denominations of 1, 2, and 5 Prutot.

Dan.Meals.Rubber

These unusual rubbery-plastic tokens were also issued by the Dan bus company. They read 'Dan Kitchen / Breakfast (or Lunch). They must have been used internally, for controlling use of the cafeteria by their staff.

Ship.Shoham.Cardboard

Ship tokens were used on board, perhaps at bars and canteens. These were issued by Shoham, a subsidiary of the israeli Zim line. They were serially numbered, and valid only on the ship.

Ship.Shoham.Plastic

Starting 1960, Shoham began using plastic tokens. Reportedly, the tokens with out holes were used by officers while the ones with holes were used by crew. Denominations of 5, 20, and 100 are known. Seven colors are known: silver, pink, blue, red, yellow, green & white.

Ship.Sommerfin.Plastic

Sommerfin maritime company operated out of Haifa from 1959-1967. Reportedly, these tokens were bought in advance and used at the ship restaurant on the Sabbath, when money was not accepted. Denominations are Sommerfin maritime company operated out of Haifa from 1959-1967. Reportedly, these tokens were bought in advance and used at the ship restaurant on the Sabbath, when money was not accepted. Denominations are 5, 25, 50, & 100. Colors are red, yellow, blue, green, purple, white.

Tokens.ship.plastic

Tenuva.Chickens

Tnuva is a marketing cooperative which processes Israel's farm produce. Their symbol is stamped on the token. Reportedly, this token was used to keep track of the productivity of a Shochet (ritual kosher slaughterer). He received a token for reach 10 chickens slaughtered, and exchanged it for 50 mils - so it is stamped '50'.

Chicken Cage

This picturesque token was issued by the 'Chicken Cage Warehouse' in 1960. It is good for 1 cage but its unclear how it was used.

Copy Machines.University

These tokens are associated with copy machines at Israeli universities. Students copied many references and even each other's notes. The tokens apparently operated the machines.

Coffee

These tokens are good for a cup of coffee. CafeJoe is a chain of coffee branches around Israel. The company also installs coffee machines in offices.

Corporation Automated

Advertising and activating tokens from assorted companies: clockwise from top left: Nakehmat, Automat, Medimat, Kaspomil. Many others exist.

Promotional Tokens

The yellow token was part of a promotional set used by the Paz gas stations in the 1970s. The set included denominations of 10, 20, 25, 50 agorot and 1 and 2 Lirot. The orange token offers a 10 Sheqel discount on jewelry purchased from the 'Koral' company.

coupon.matza.half rotel.1915.Wallach

coupons.Matza.half rotel.1917.Vaad

coupons.Matza.1924.half & 1 rotel.Halpern Rozenman

coupons.Matza.1925.1 rotel.Aliya_edited

coupons.Matza.1934.8 ozs.Sefaradim

Pesach.1936.Kimcha.Matza wine wheat.1936

coupons.Matzah.2 rotels.Yad L'Achim_edited

coupons.Pesach.sugar.Yad Le'achim

coupons.Pesach.oil.Yad L'Achim.3 & 4 ounces

coupon.Mandate.sugar.half kilo_edited

coupons.Mandate.ration bklt.1940s_edited

coupons.Matza.1943.25 mil.Sepfaradim.face

coupons.emergency.challos loaves

coupons.Kemach.1949-50.wine.Moetzah

coupons.Kemach.1000 prutah.Neshei Agudah

coupon.hamavir.1940s

coupon.bread for starving.Jerus

coupons.yeshiva_edited

piece of sugar.1952

coupons.ice.1950

coupons.ice.Tel Aviv

coupon.benzine.1948.face

coupons.Hevron.mils

coupons.Hevron.combined_edited

coupons.Tannenbaum.mils

coupons.Zagagi.mils

coupons.sick.butter

coupons.shechita.Jerus.mils

coupons.shechita.Haifa.mils

coupons.joint.peace.bread

Shomrei chomos..1971

Ottoman Paper Currency

The Empire began using banknotes in the 1800s. This note was issued in 1331 / 1912. In French and Turkish it identifies the denomination as '1 Turkish Livre'. It circulated in Palestine until captured by the British in 1917, when Turkish currency was outlawed and replaced with Egyptian currency.

Egyptian Currency

Egyptian banknotes circulated after World War One. 100 Piastres = 1 Pound. This 5 piastre note is dated 1918. It pictures a camel caravan on the front and 2 facing sphinxes on the back. Such small amounts were issued in paper due to a coin shortage. Starting 1927, Palestine Mandate coins and currency replaced all other money.

Anglo Palestine Company Check

Due to the lack of valid currency during WWI, the Anglo-Palestine Company (bank) issued registered checks for public use. They were numbered, stamped, and dated - this one 7 October 1914. The original account holder is Binyamin Yahalom. It is also stamped with bank official signatures of D. Levontin and E. Hoofien, long-time banking leaders in Palestine. These circulated widely until 1922, and were redeemed for face-value after the war.

Palestine Currency.500 Mils

At the end of WWI, a mish-mash of currencies from many countries circulated in Palestine. A Palestine Currency Board was created and recommended new decimal currency linked to the British pound sterling. This 500 Mils (half pound) note features the Tomb of Rachel on the front. All denominations show the 'Tower of David' on the back.

Palestine Currency.1 Pound

The 1 Pound note features the Dome of the Rock. It has been, successively, the sight of Jewish Temples, a pagan temple, a Crusader church, and a Moslem shrine. The Temple Mount and the Dome, dominate the landscape of Old Jerusalem. The inscriptions on the banknotes are in English, Hebrew, and Arabic.

Palestine Currency.5 and 10 Pounds

The tower of Ramlah is pictured on the other 4 denominations, which mainly vary by their color. Ramlah was the Arab capital of Palestine (Filastin) in the Middle Ages. The tower is a 13th century minaret for a nearby mosque. Notes were issued in 1927, 1929, 1939, & 1944. Five and 10 pounds represented a lot of buying power and few were saved when it was time to redeem them. These 2 genuine notes were part of a collection that burned in an auctioneer's vault.

Palestine Currency.50 and 100 Pounds

The images of these 2 notes are added here for the sake of completeness. Only about 30 of the Fifty Pound notes are thought to exist. Only SIX of the 100 Pound notes were never redeemed and can be collected. The faces are colored purple green and brown. The back of the 50 is purple while the back of the 100 is green. These are images from reference books.

Currency of the State of Israeledited

Between 1948 and 2020 Israel has issued 10 successive series of banknotes. They began with standard generic banknote designs and gradually became more graphic, attractive, and sophisticated. Security features were incorporated and even braille-type marks that could be identified by the blind.

1948.Anglo-Palestine Bank.500 Mils

The 1948 issue was created during the War of Independence. It was not yet decided what the design, or denominations, or even name of the country would be. This issue is in the name of the Anglo-Palestine (Company) Bank. It is denominated in Mils and Pounds like its predecessors. the designs are stock images from the files of the American Banknote Company. These were legal until 1952. Grey

Anglo-Palestine Bank.1 Pound.1%20pound_edited

similar in design, with different style borders. Notice that the inscriptions on the front are in Hebrew and English while the back wording is in Arabic and English. Blue.

Anglo-Palestine Bank.5 Pounds

Similar design. The word 'Lira' was adopted in Hebrew for 'Pound', similar to that used in Europe and even Turkey. Brown

Anglo-Palestine Bank.10 Pounds

Similar design. Red borders with light yellow centers.

Anglo-Palestine Bank.50 Poundsdited

Fifty Pounds was still a large sum to have in one banknote, and far fewer of these were printed - or saved. The borders are purple, with light blue centers. This is a picture of a specimen example, included here for completeness. the entire series was withdrawn in 1952.

1948.Fractional Coupons.Tel Aviv

A shortage of small change led to the issuance of these coupons by the city of Tel Aviv. Designed to facilitate tax collections, they saw heavy circulation. Denominated in 50 - and 100 Mils. they were only in use for about 1 year - August '48 till August '49. Today they are scarce. Sometimes referred to as 'Vaad (city) Notes'.

1948.Fractional Currency.

A short-lived issue of fractional currency was issued by the new Israeli government in 1948. They are a 50 Mil in orange and a 100 Mil in green. The designs on both are based on mosaic floors uncovered in the 6th - century synagogue at Beit Alfa. The one on the back represents a Torah Ark. Issued in 1948, withdrawn by 1952.

1952.Bank Leumi.500 Prutah

The Anglo-Palestine Bank changed its name to Bank Leumi LeYisrael ('National Bank of Israel'). So, new notes were issued with that name. 'Mils' became 'Prutah/Prutot', and 'Palestine Pound became 'Israel Pound/Lira'. The designs are the same with some differences in colors. This note reads '500 Prutah'. Borders are the same. The front inscriptions are all Hebrew. English and Arabic wording is all on the back. The color is now light blue.

1952.Bank Leumi.1 Pound (Lira)

The denomination in Hebrew changed from 'Lira Eretz Yisrael Achat' to 'Lira Yisraelit Achat', changing the country name from the old 'Land of Israel' to 'Israel' (the State). Colors are now brown borders with a pink center.

1952.Bank Leumi. 5 Pounds

The 5 Pound note kept the same brown color as its predecessor. This series was legal tender until 1961.

1952.Bank Leumi.10 Pound

Borders have not changed. Colors are now grey with light pink centers.

1952.Bank Leumi.50 Pounds

Fifty Pounds was still a lot of money in the 1950s and few of these were saved. The colors are now grey borders with aqua fields. This series circulated until 1955 and was withdrawn in 1961.

1952.Fractional Currency.50 & 100 Prutah

The government also issued fractional currency notes in 1952 which circulated in the 1950s. 50 Prutah notes were red and orange while 100 Prutah notes were blue and green. They are collected by various color shades and signatures. They remained legal tender until 1980.

1953.Fractional Currency.250 Prutah

In 1953, the denomination of 250 Prutah was added. The front bears stock designs while the back includes a scene of Lake Kinneret, with Mount Arbel and Kibbutz Ginossar in the background. These also fell out of use after a few years but remained legal tender until 1980.

1952.Fractional.250.Menorah watermark

Some of these notes contain a hidden watermark. It is in the shape of an ancient Menorah, and may appear either right- or left- of center. It seems slightly gold-colored.

1952.Fractional.Menorah watermark

Here we can see faint traces of the Menorah with a pale gold color.

Watermark Design

This watermark is fashioned after the image of the Menorah on the Arch of Titus, looted from the Second Temple in Jerusalem. This watermark was used again in the 1955 issue.

1955.Bank of Israel.500 Prutah

The Bank of Israel was founded in 1954, to maintain stability of the financial system in Israel. Among its responsibilities are issuing the currency and coins of the country. Thus in 1955 new banknotes were issued, known as the Landscape series. The 500 Prutah features the ancient synagogue at Baram and an old olive tree. The border shows olive branches and a local flower, cyclamen, appears right on top of the hidden Menorah watermark. Prominent in Hebrew: 'Bank of Israel'.

1955.Bank of Israel.1 Pound

The 1 pound note features an upper Galilean scene, with the River Jordan in the foreground and behind, Kibbutz Sdeh Nehemiah. The flower is an anemone and the border shows orange fruit and branches. The backs on this whole series show abstract designs, which were intended to frustrate counterfeiting. In script we read "IL --" for 'Israeli Lira'.

1955.Bank of Israel.5 Pound

The 5 Pound note features a 'Negev Landscape'. Two farmers are plowing alongside a channel that contains the National Water-Carrier pipeline that brings water from the north. Added in the background are mountains of Edom. The flower is an iris and the border shows grape clusters on the vine.

1955.Bank of Israel.10 Pounds

Pictured is a scene of the Jezre'el valley with moshav Kfar Yechezkel in the center. Prominent is a tall palm tree and dates from a palm tree adorn the border. Tulips cover the watermark. this series circulated until 1960 and were legal tender until 1984.

1955.Bank of Israel.50 Pounds

This largest denomination features the hills of Jerusalem. Between them winds a section of the road to Jerusalem called Sha'ar Hagai (in Arabic: Bab el Wad). This was the scene of bitter fighting as Arabs ambushed convoys bringing supplies to besieged Jerusalem in 1948. Burned shells of those vehicles overlook the road today, as a memorial. The flower is oleander and the border features pomegranate fruits and blossoms.

1958.Idealized Figures.Half Lira

Dissatisfaction with the 1955 notes, especially the abstract designs, led to a new series. Dated 1958, they were released in late 1959. The unifying theme was 'the old and the new Israel'. Fronts featured occupations of modern Israelis while the backs showed famous Jewish archaeological artifacts. The half-Lira note features a female Nahal soldier. Her unit combines military service with establishing agricultural communities. The back pictures the tomb of Sanhedrin scholars in Jerusalem.

1958.Idealized Figures.1 Lira

This note symbolizes the fishing trade. The seaman stands with his nets and anchor about his body. In the background we see in the bay 2 sailboats, a trawler, and a passenger ship. An ancient 6th century synagogue mosaic from Isfiya, near Haifa, reads 'Shalom on Israel' inside a wreath.

1958.Idealized Figures.5 Lira

Labor and industry are represented on the 5 Lira note. The worker, with perhaps Middle-Eastern features, holds his sledgehammer in front of a factory or plant. On the back we see an image of an ancient seal, used to impress in clay or wax. Its inscription, in ancient Hebrew script reads: 'Of Shema, Servant of Jeroboam'. This official served Jeroboam II during the 1st Temple period, ca. 787-747 BCE.

1958.Idealized Figures.10 Lira

The ten-lira note highlights Israel's prominent place in the sphere of science. Pictured is a lab researcher in front of a microscope, holding a test tube and a probe. The stunning discovery of the ancient Dead Sea Scrolls is represented by the scroll of Isaiah and the jars in which they were found. The text shown is Isaiah 40: "Comfort ye comfort ye, My people...".

1960.Idealized Figures.50 Lira

This is the 'Halutzim' (pioneers) note, honoring a Polish and a Yemenite immigrant who are reclaiming the land. A kibbutz lies behind them. The back features a floor mosaic design from a 6th century synagogue in the western Negev. The 3-legged menorah is accompanied by a shofar, a lulav, and 2 etrogim.

1968.Noted Personalities.5 Lirot

Dated 1968, this series was released over the following 4 years. Noted personalities in the history of the state are honored. Albert Einstein helped establish Hebrew University, and was offered the Israel presidency in 1952. His support for atomic research is reflected on the back which pictures Israel's atomic reactor located near Dimona. Issued in 1972.

1968.Noted Personalities.10 Lirot

Chaim Nachman Bialik is perhaps the greatest Hebrew poet of Modern times. A Russian Zionist who settled in Tel Aviv in 1927, he was a major force in literary circles. The back shows his house, on the street named for him. Called Beit Bialik, it archives his manuscripts and personal artifacts. In use from 1972 - 76.

1968.Noted Personalities.50 Lirot

Chaim Weizmann was a Russian Zionist who became a chemist. He founded what became the Weizmann Institute of Science. An active Zionist in Britain, he is associated with the Balfour Declaration in 1917. He became the 1st president of Israel. The building built in 1966 for the Israel 'Knesset' - parliament - is pictured on the back. In use 1972 - 78.

1968.Noted Personalities.100 Lirot

Theodor (Binyamin Ze'ev) Herzl, a Viennese journalist, wrote 'The Jewish State' and convened the First World Zionist Congress, leading to the World Zionist Organization and its agencies. The back shows Israel's State symbol, surrounded by symbols of each of the 12 tribes. Each of these notes has a watermark of the profile of each personality. In use from 1969 - 1975.

1973.Gates of Jerusalem.5 Lirot

This series, dated 1973, was issued between 1975 - 1978. The fronts feature well known personalities but the series is known by the gates of Old Jerusalem pictured on the backs. Henrietta Szold, was a founder and president of Hadassah. She also founded and directed Youth Aliyah, which saved some 30,000 Jewish children from the Holocaust. The gate on the back is Lions Gate, through which Israeli troops advanced to secure the Old city in 1967. Issued in 1976.

1973.Gates of Old Jerusalem.10 Lirot

Moses Montefiore (1784-1885), philanthropist and advocate for Jews, made 7 trips to the Holy Land. His support included building the 1st Jewish neighborhood outside the walls of Old Jerusalem. The flour windmill he built to enable income still stands. The gate pictured is known as Jaffa Gate and Hebron Gate, as the road from it leads to those 2 cities. Issued in 1975.

1973.Gates of Old Jerusalem.50 Lirot

Chaim Weizmann was again honored on the 50 Lirot of this new series. The note circulated 1978 - 1980. Behind him is the facade of the Weizmann Institute's library in Rehovot. The gate on the reverse is known as Damascus Gate and Shechem Gate. The road from it leads north to those cities.

1973.Gates of Old Jerusalem.100 Lirot

The 100 Lirot note again honors Theodor Herzl. He is shown in front of the entrance to Har Herzl, where he and his family are buried. That is the National Cemetery of Israel and includes the military cemetery, where National ceremonies are held. On the back is shown Zion Gate; Arabs call it the Gate of the Prophet David who is thought to be buried nearby. Zion Gate is most closely associated with the Jewish Quarter of the Old City, which is right inside. t

1975.Gates of Old Jerusalem.500 Lirot

This note is dated 1975, was issued in 1977 and circulated until 1980. The new denomination allowed for a new personality - David Ben Gurion (1886-1973), first prime minister of Israel. As chairman of the Jewish Agency he worked toward a Jewish state and was appointed its first prime minister. Behind him is the Sde Boker College, near his kibbutz and burial place. The gate is the Golden Gate / gate of Mercy which has special associations for 3 religions.

1978.Sheqel Series.1 Sheqel

In revising the monetary system due to inflation, the official unit was changed from its old European name - Lira - to a new/old Jewish unit - 'Sheqel'. The Sheqel was worth TEN of the Lira it replaced. This was symbolized by retaining the previous designs. the 1st 4 designs are dated 1978 when printing began. They were introduced in 1980. Montefiore is now on a 1 Sheqel note with the same design and color as the previous 10 Lirot note.

1978.Sheqel Series.5 Sheqalim

Weizmann's 50 Lirot is now the Five Sheqalim note, same design and color. Issued in 1980.

1978.Sheqel Series.10 Sheqalim

Herzl's 100 Lirot note is now the new 10 Sheqalim note, dated 1978. Issued in 1980, it circulated until 1985, when it was withdrawn.

1978.Sheqel Series.50 Sheqel

Ben Gurion's 500 Lirot note is now the new 50 Sheqel note, dated 1978. Issued in 1980, it circulated until 1985, when it was withdrawn. The denomination 'Sheqel' is now expressed in the singular (instead of 'Sheqalim') which is the convention in Hebrew for numbers beyond 10. However we shall see that there are inconsistencies.

1979.Sheqel Series.100 Sheqel

The next 4 denominations offered new design opportunities. This 100 Sheqel features Ze'ev Vladimir Jabotinsky (1880-1940), a lifelong Zionist leader and founder of the right-wing Betar movement. Behind him is Beir Shuni, today a museum to the history of the Etzel resistance movement, which he led. On the back is Herod's Gate / Flower Gate in the north wall of the Old City.

1982.Sheqel Series.500 Sheqalim

The 500 Sheqlim note is dated 1982 and circulated until 1985. It honors Baron Edmond Rothschild (1848-1934), philanthropist and supporter of numerous early Jewish villages in the Land. Behind him are images of early settlers. The back features grapes, symbolizing the 2 major wine cellars he established: Rishon LeZiyon and Zichron Yaakov. The border lists all the 44 villages he supported. This note uses the plural denomination - Sheqalim. the color red invokes wine, or perhaps 'Red Shield'.

1983.Sheqel Series.1000 Sheqalim

In use from 1983 - 85, the new 1000 Sheqalim note honor Maimonides (RAMBAM: 1135-1204). The Spanish scholar, scientist, physician and philosopher is the greatest genius of Sephardic Jewry. Manuscript pages of his code Mishna Torah, dealing with banking, form the background. The ancient/modern city of Tiberias is represented on the back, in which the Rambam and other great scholars are buried. The stone Menorah was excavated there. The denomination is expressed as 'Sheqalim'.

1984.Sheqel Series.5000 Sheqalim

Levi Eshkol (1895-1969), third prime minister of Israel is honored on the 5000 Sheqalim note. His tenure included the Six-Day-War, resulting in the re-unification of Old and New Jerusalem, symbolized on the front of the note. His encouragement of agricultural development, and inauguration of the National Water Carrier which brings freshwater to the south, are featured on the back of the note. These higher denominations now bear the denomination in English on their backs. In use 1984-85.

1984.Sheqel Series.10000 Sheqalim

Golda Meir (1898-1979) was the 4th prime minister of Israel. A lifelong Zionist and activist, she was a minister in several governments. The tree branches form a Star of David, symbolizing the Jewish people. As Israel's first ambassador to Russia she joined a crowd in front of the Moscow synagogue. She appears, in her hat, near the bottom center of the picture on the back, next to the famous phrase in Hebrew "Let My People Go".

1986.New Sheqalim.1.Rambam

With the 'dropping of 3 zeros' to fight inflation, the Rambam 1000 Sheqel note was now a 1 New Sheqel note. Otherwise it was identical in design. It was issued in 1986 and in use until 1995. When low denominations were discontinued in favor of coins (1985), the portrait disappeared. It was featured in 1988 on a special issue 1 New Sheqel coin, which remains in circulation. The large Sephardic population in Israel is very aware of the (non-) appearance of Sephardic Jews on the nation's money.

1985.New Sheqalim.5 NS

After a decade of hyperinflation, Israel stabilized its economy. This including replacing the 'old' sheqel with an official 'New Sheqel' ('NS') at a rate of 1000 (old) to one (new). They in essence 'dropped 3 zeros' from the previous money, starting 1985. The Eshkol 5000 Sheqalim is now 'Five New Sheqalim'.

1985.New Sheqel.10 NS

Golda Meir's note is now 10 new Sheqalim. Otherwise, it is the same as its predecessor.

1987.New Sheqel.NS 20Sheqel

Moshe Sharett (1894-1965) Israel's 2nd prime minister, was introduced on this denomination. An active leader of the Zionist Organization and the Jewish Agency. He is shown raising the flag of Israel at the United Nations in 1949. He graduated from the Gymnasia Herzliya high school in Tel Aviv, which was also a secret Hagana headquarters, since demolished.

1985.New Sheqel.NS 50

The 50 Sheqalim honors Shai (Shmuel Yosef) Agnon (1888-1970). He was a major literary figure who was awarded numerous prizes including the Nobel Prize in 1966. Behind him are representations of old books. On the back we find a semi-circle skyline of Old/New Jerusalem above a sketch of a European Jewish Shtetl. Along the curve are tiny letters listing 18 of his works. The picture is remarkable for the prominent depiction of his Kippah.

1986.New Sheqel.NS 100

Yitzhak Ben Zvi (1884-1963) was Israel's 2nd president. He was a Zionist leader & president of the National Council of the Yishuv. He devoted much research to the history & background of diverse ethnic communities in the Land, reflected in the various types illustrated behind him. His interest in the village of Peki'in, where Jews lived in an unbroken line since antiquity, is reflected in the back image of the cave & carob tree which nurtured R' Shimon Bar Yochai while hiding from Romans.

1991.New Sheqel.NS 200

Actually circulated starting 1992, this note honors Zalman Shazar (1889-1974), 3rd president of Israel. An ardent Zionist, author, journalist and historian, he was Israel's first Minister of Education, under whom Israel's law of Compulsory Education was instituted. Behind him are the words of Alterman's poem about it. The back portrays a young girl engrossed in schoolwork, among letters of the Hebrew alphabet.

1998.New Sheqel.b.NS 20.Calligrammic

This series has several unusual features. Much of the inscription is conventionally horizontal but the design draws the eye vertically. Also, the portraits are made up of the initials of the person pictured. The portraits are carried over from the previous series. Sharett's image is made up of dark & light Mem (מ) and Shin (ש). The flag-raising appears on the front. The back shows a tower & stockade while the bottom shows recruiting for the Jewish Brigade - both efforts he supported.

1999.New Sheqel.b.NS 20.Vertical

Here we see the notes oriented vertically, with assorted anti-counterfeiting features scattered around the images.

1998.NS.b.20.Calligram

This closeup tries to show the מ and ש letters that make up the image of Sharett.

2008.NS 20.Polymer

This 20 New Sheqel note is essentially the same as the 1998 version, with a few changes. it is printed on a polymer material. In the corner white space, instead of security marks, there appear 2 Stars of David, one green and one completely transparent, with a '20' etched in the middle. Several countries experimented with polymer banknotes, which reportedly attract less dirt and are more durable than paper.

1998.New Sheqel.b.NS 50.

The portrait of Agnon on this note is the same as on its predecessor, but this time made from his initials Shin (ש) and Ayin (ע). Behind him is his library and an excerpt from his Nobel Prize acceptance speech. The back shows the Dome of the Rock on the Temple Mount, which was the view from Agnon's window. Below that appears his writing stand, pen and eyeglasses. Between the purple bars we read the titles of his books.

1998.New Sheqel.b.NS 50.Vertical

Here we see the images vertically.

1998.New Sheqel.b.NS 100

Ben Tzvi's portrait is carried over to this new note, made up of his initials Bet (ב) and Tzadi (צ). Behind him is pictured the inside of a hut - a place for official ceremonies which today is the Ben Tzvi institute. The back offers a view of Peki'in and the facade of the Peki'in synagogue. Also, part of a speech and in tiny letters the titles of his books.

1998.New Sheqel.b.NS 100

Here the note is displayed vertically.

1999.New Sheqel.b.NS 200

Shazar's portrait is carried over, now made up of his initials Zayin (ז) and Shin (ש). Behind him is pictured a first grade class in school, reflecting Shazar's achievements in national education. Alongside his head is a speech excerpt. Shazar's research into Kabbalah is represented on the back by a picture of the Abuhav synagogue in Tzefat (Safed) and a lane in that old city.

1999.New Sheqel.b.NS 200.vertical

Here is the note oriented vertically. A 500 New Sheqel note was planned, featuring assassinated prime minister Yitzhak Rabin, but was never issued.

1999.NS.b.200.enlarged

The initials (ז) and Shin (ש) in various shades make up the portrait.

2017.New Sheqel.c.NS 20

The third series of New Sheqel banknotes was issued between 2014 and 2017. The NS 20 was issued in 2017, featuring the face of Rahel Bluwstein (1890-1931) on a background of palm branches. She was the first woman to receive acclaim in the Israeli community for her poetry. On the back we find a stylized shoreline of the Kinneret Sea (Sea of Galilee) and an excerpt from her poem, 'Oh My Kinneret' which became a famous and often recorded song.

2014.New Sheqel.c.NS 50

This was the first of the new series. Honored is Saul Tchernichovsky (1875-1943), physician, poet, and translator. His face appears on a background of orange fruit and branches. The back shows a corinthian column, symbolizing his work in translating literary classics into Hebrew. He also compiled the Hebrew language manual for medical and scientific expressions. Many of his poems were recorded as songs.

2017.New Sheqel.c.NS 100

Leah Goldberg (1911-1970) is honored on the NS 100 note. She was a brilliant linguist with European Doctorates who became the head of the Literature department at Hebrew University. Her fluency in 7 languages facilitated many translations. The almond tree blossoms on the front, and the deer on the back, reflect themes in her poetry.

2015.New Sheqel.c.NS 200

The NS 200 note was issued in 2015. It features Natan Alterman (1910-1970) on a background of Autumn leaves. He studied and first worked in agronomy but earned fame as a poet, journalist and translator. He expressed Socialist Zionist political views in his work. The back portrays a moon lighting up flowered branches. Some of his poems were recorded in song. 'The Silver Platter' is perhaps his most-recited poem, referring to the valiant youth of Israel.

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