VIRTUAL JEWISH MUSEUM

State of Israel Issues

Israel has issued 4 successive coinages. The current series has been in circulation since 1985 and all previous issues were retired by September 1986.

1948 25 Mils

Israel's regular issues would not be ready until 1949-50. An emergency issue of 25 Mils was manufactured of aluminum in a Jerusalem factory. The 'Mils' denomination from the Mandate era was retained. It appeared in October 1948 and circulated until 1950. 30 mm.

1948 25 Mils.Design

Designs were drawn primarily from ancient Jewish symbols. Here the obverse has a border of olive branches, taken from Hasmonean coinage ca. 100 BCE. The reverse bunch of grapes comes from a Bar Kochba coin, ca. 134 CE. It is one of the 7 fruits with which Israel was blessed in the Bible.

State.mils.open%20link_edited

Prutah Series.1949

The Prutah series was produced by 2 mints in Birmingham England, gradually from 1949 - 1952. Denominations are in Prutah/Prutot, 1000 to the Pound. 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, and 250. A 500 Prutah coin in silver was for souvenirs, not circulation.

1 Prutah.1949

The 1 Prutah coin is aluminum 21 mm. The I.C.I. mint produced a glossier finish with a tiny dot at the bottom of the wreath, called a 'Pearl'. The Heaton mint products have a more matte finish, and no Pearl.

1 Prutah.Design

The reverse design copies the anchor shown originally on a coin of Alexander Yannai (103 - 76 BCE). It symbolized port activity in antiquity, and perhaps the modern Israeli navy in 1950 when it was issued.

State.Prutah.Proof.P1060957 (3)

5 Prutot.1949

The 5 prutot was issued in 1950 in bronze, 22 mm. Coming from both mints, it appears with and without Pearl.

5 Prutot.Design

The 5 prutot reverse design displays a lyre. This design appeared on Bar Kochba bronze and silver coins. It symbolized the Temple in which it was played. Perhaps it also alluded to the Arts in modern Israel.

10 Prutah.1949

10 Prutot coins were issued in January 1950 in bronze, 27 mm. It reads 'Prutah', singular, which Israel uses for quantities ABOVE 10. This coin should have read 'Prutot' - an error that was corrected in 1957. With and without Pearl.

10 Prutot.Design

This largest bronze coin adopted its design from Bar Kochba's largest bronze coin. It is a 2-handled amphora - another Temple vessel. Perhaps it also represents Industry in Israel.

10 Prutah Varieties

The 10 Prutah denomination was re-issued several times. In 1952 the issue was now aluminum, 24.5 mm. So close in size to the 50 Prutah, this one was minted with a scalloped edge for easy identification.

State.prutot.scalloped_edited

The scalloped edge calls to mind some interesting Syrian bronze coins & also Roman denarii, which had serrated edges. The reverse design was changed from a large 2-handled jar to a smaller 1-handled jug. This too appears on Bar Kochba silver coins and was a Temple vessel.

10 Prutah 1952.Design

The scalloped edge calls to mind some interesting ancient Roman denarii, which had serrated edges. The reverse design was changed from a large 2-handled jar to a smaller 1-handled jug. This too appears on Bar Kochba silver coins and was a Temple vessel.

Ten Prutot. 1957

In 1957 the 10 Prutot was changed again. The denomination was now expressed properly - 10 PRUTOT. The scalloped edge was difficult to produce so they went back to round, aluminum 24.5 mm. At first it was copper electroplated, to look more like the original 10 Prutah coin, and to distinguish it from other denominations. But that same year it reverted to plain silvery aluminum.

25 Prutah.1949, 1954

25 Prutah coins were issued January 1950, in copper-nickel with and without Pearl, 19.5 mm. (Left image). This issue had a reeded edge. It was re-issued in 1954 ('5714') in nickel-plated steel, with a smooth edge. (Right image).

25 Prutah.Design

The reverse design was repeated here from the 25 Mils coin of 1948. Originally, it was a Bar Kochba bronze and silver design.

50 Prutah

Issued in May 1949, the 50 Prutah was one of the very first issues of this series. It is copper-nickel and 23.5 mm. Issued with and without Pearl. Reeded edge.

50 Prutah.Design

The reverse shows a grape leaf, hanging from a piece of vine with a small grape cluster attached. This design was inspired by a first revolt (67 CE) bronze Prutah. Perhaps it also represents Israel's Agriculture.

50 Prutah.1954

1954 ('5714') saw 3 re-issues of this denomination. They look very similar. The first has a smooth edge. The next, somewhat scarcer, has a reeded edge. Finally it was issued in nickel-plated steel with a smooth edge.

100 Prutah.1949,1955

This was the other early issue, in May 1949. Minted in copper-nickel, 28.5 mm in diameter. No Pearl appears on this denomination. It was re-issued with the same specifications in 1955 (5715).

100 Prutah.Design

Numerous ancient Jewish coins bear a palm tree. This one seems inspired by a Bar Kochba bronze. (They didn't include the original inscription, which reads 'Yerushalayim').

100 Prutah.1954

In between the 1949 and 1955 issues, these varieties were minted in 1954. They are made of nickel-clad steel and are smaller at 25.6 mm. Two dies, from Berne and Utrecht created varieties. Berne, on the right, is more common. Utrecht, on the left, is quite scarce. The wreath is farther in from the edge and the top berries almost touch it. Close in size to the 50 Prutah, they were soon withdrawn.

250 Prutah

The 250 Prutah is the largest circulating coin. It was released in October 1950 in copper-nickel, at 32.2 mm. It exists with and without Pearl.

250 Prutah.Design

The reverse design of the 250 Prutah appears to be inspired by a rare silver quarter-shekel of the first Revolt (69 CE). Only 3 examples of that coin are known. It has been understood variously as 3 palm branches or 3 stalks of wheat. The modern coin portrays it as stalks of wheat. Reportedly this design was intended for the 5 Prutah coin but the designs were inadvertently switched.

Silver Prutah Issues

The 250 Prutah was also issued in silver, along with a crown-sized 500 Prutah coin. These were intended for collectors and not for circulation.

250 Prutah Silver

The silver issues were produced in England at the Heaton mint. The 250 Prutah bears a tiny mintmark 'H' on the obverse at the bottom.

500 Prutah.Silver

The 500 Prutah was issued in May 1952. It does not bear a mintmark. It was issued to provide a collectible coin comparable with the 'crown-sized' coins of other countries. Israel had not yet issued any souvenir or commemorative coins.

500 Prutah.Design

The reverse design comes from the ancient Jewish shekels and half-shekels of the first revolt (66-69 CE). Pictured is a pomegranate branch with three blossoms just beginning to develop fruit. Pomegranates are one of the 7 Biblical fruits of Israel. (Years later, Israel would call its modern monetary unit a 'shekel').

Agorot.1960

Israel switched from a 1000 division to a 100 division of its Pound. They changed the coin denominations from Prutah to 'Agora'. This called for new coins and resulted in 1, 5, 10, 25, Agorot, and later half- and one- pound coins. Designs here too were inspired by ancient art.

Agorot.1 Agora

The 1 Agora coin was issued in June 1960 in aluminum. The scalloped edge was again utilized. 20 mm.

1 Agora.Design

The reverse design imitates the image on an ancient prutah issued by King Agrippa I (ca. 43 CE). It is 3 ears of barley, another of the 7 Biblical fruits of Israel.

1 Agora.Large date

1 Agora coins have been found with a larger-than-usual date. These are actually patterns that were considered for use. When a smaller date (left) was finalized, these (right) were simply put in circulation. Only a few hundred are known.

5 Agorot

In October 1960 the 5 Agorot was issued. It is made of aluminum-bronze in a diameter of 16.5 mm.

Agorot.5 Agotot

The 5 Agurot reverse design is not from an ancient coin . It is modeled after a stone carving in the remains of the ancient Capernaum synagogue. A series of designs shows the 7 Biblical fruits of Israel. The carving of 3 pomegranate fruits was the basis for this modernized design.

Agorot.10 Agorot

Ten Agorot coins appeared in June 1960. They are aluminum-bronze and 21.5 mm. in diameter.

10 Agorot.Design

The palm tree on this coin is taken from a Bar Kochba bronze ca. 133 CE.

25 Agorot

25 Agorot are struck in aluminum-bronze 25.5 mm. in diameter.

25 Agorot.Design

This design was taken from a medium bronze Bar Kochba coin. It shows a lyre, a string instrument used in the Temple.

Half Lira.1963

The half-Lira coin was introduced in 1963. It replaced the half-Lira banknote, which stopped circulating by 1970. Copper-nickel 24.5 mm in diameter.

One Lira.1963

The Lira coin was also issued in 1963, with the intention of replacing the 1 Lira banknote. That note stopped circulating in 1969. Copper-nickel 27.5 mm in diameter.

Lira Coin.Design

The reverse of the half- and one- Lira coins is the same. It pictures the seal of the State of Israel: A Menorah flanked by 2 olive branches. The menorah is modeled after the one shown on the Roman Arch of Titus, which shows the captives and spoils of the Jerusalem Temple. The image with olive branches is inspired by the vision of prophet Zachariah as described in Zachariah 4:2-3. That event is read in synagogue on Chanukah each year.

One Lira.New design

The obvious confusion of the half- and one- Lira coins having the identical design prompted a design change of the Lira coin in 1967. Both types were produced that year but the new one continued after. it was of the same size and composition.

Agurot.reeded edges

The new Lira coin has an intermittent reeded design, unlike the previous design. This made it easier for the blind to distinguish between the half- and the one- Lira denomination.

New Lira.Design

The new Lira coin was the same size and metal but completely new design. The obverse shows the denomination between 2 star designs, taken from an Alexander Yannai prutah (103-76 BCE). The reverse brings back the triple pomegranate design from the ancient Jewish shekel of the First Revolt (which was briefly used on the 500 Prutah silver issue).

Agorot.5 Lirot

Issued in September 1978 in 30 mm. copper-nickel, the 5 Lirot coin circulated for barely 2 years.

5 Lirot.Design

While the obverse borrowed the Hasmonean star design, the reverse is entirely new - and not from an ancient coin. It copies the roaring lion from an ancient Jewish seal inscribed '(Belonging) to Shema Minister of Yerav'am'. That would be Jeroboam II king of Israel (not Judea) 787 - 747 BCE. Again linking modern Israel to its ancient past.

Agurot.Israel 25th Anniversary

1973 marked the 25th anniversary of the State of Israel. This special issue of coins included a special inscription in Hebrew "25th Year of the State". These were struck in Jerusalem and bear the Star of David mintmark on the reverse.

Agurot.1980 set.25 years.P1060987 (2)

This 1980 set was the last of the old Agorot issues. Released on the 32 anniversary of the State, it added special wording that reads "25 Years of the Bank of Israel". Struck in pure nickel at the Berne, Switzerland mint. Only the 1 Agora, 10 Agora, and 1 Lira were issued for circulation, and those were rendered obsolete a few months later.

Agorot.25 years Bank

The added inscription reads ''5740 25 Years of the Bank of Israel".

Agurot.5 Agurot.1977.2 metals

This denomination was issued in aluminum and in copper-nickel starting 1976.

Agurot.10 Agurot 3 metals

Side by side, this denomination circulated in 3 metals - Aluminum-bronze, aluminum, and copper-nickel. same design.

New Agorot.Denominations

Rampant inflation led to a revision of Israel's monetary system in 1980. The Agorot were now called 'Agorot Hadashot' - 'New Agorot'. The official unit was changed from its old European name - Lira - to a new/old Jewish unit - 'Shekel'. The small change coins are MUCH smaller, and were worth TEN of the coins they replace. This was symbolized by retention of the old designs.

New Agurot.1 Agorah

Struck in aluminum at 15 mm. The denomination reads '1 Agora Hadasha' - 1 new Agora. Issued in February 1980. None issued after 1982 due to inflation. Circulated until 1985. Hebrew date (5)760 = 1980.

New Agurot.1 Agorah.Designd

The new Agorah coin was equal to 10 of the old Agorot. The design is the same, the diameter has shrunk from 21.5 mm to 15 mm. The metal had already changed from aluminum-bronze to aluminum in early 1980, and was continued with the new coins.

New Agorot.5 agorot

Struck in aluminum at 18.5 mm. The denomination reads '5 Agorot Hadashot' - 5 New Agorot. Issued in February 1980. None issued after 1982 due to inflation. Issued and circulated until 1984. Hebrew date (5)760 = 1980.

New Agorot.5 Agorot.Design

The 5 New Agorot coin was equal to 50 of the old Agorot which was known as a half-Lira. The design is the same, the diameter has shrunk from 24.5 mm to 18.5 mm. The metal was changed from copper-nickel to aluminum while the design remained the same, in miniature.

New Agorot.10 Agorot

Struck in aluminum-bronze at 16 mm. Smaller than the '5' but a different color. The denomination reads '10 Agorot Hadashot'. Issued in February 1980. Circulated until 1985. Hebrew date (5)760 = 1980.

New 10 Agorot.Design

The 10 New Agorot coin was equal to 100 of the old Agorot which was known as a Lira. The design is the same, the diameter has shrunk from 27.5 mm to 16 mm. The metal was changed from copper-nickel to aluminum-bronze while the design remained the same, in miniature. It must have felt like a joke at the time!

New Agorot.Half Sheqel.Design

Struck in copper-nickel at 20 mm. The denomination reads '1/2 Sheqel' - the newly designated name for the monetary unit of Israel. Issued in February 1980. Circulated until 1985. Hebrew date (5)760 = 1980.

New Agorot.Half Sheqel

The New Half-Sheqel (they write it with a Q) coin was equal to 5 of the old 'Lira'. The design is the same, the diameter has shrunk from 30 mm to 20 mm. in copper-nickel.

New Agurot.1 Sheqel

Struck in copper-nickel at 23 mm. The denomination reads 'Sheqel Yisrael' - Sheqel of Israel. The newly designated name for the monetary unit of Israel. Issued in January 1981 through 1985 when it was withdrawn. Hebrew date (5)761... = 1981....

New Agorot.1 Sheqel.Design

The new Sheqel had no old denomination to copy. It was natural, now that the denomination was 'Sheqel', to use an ancient Shekel design. Recall that they had used the pomegranate design on the previous Lira coin. Now they used the other side of that first Revolt (67 CE) Shekel. It shows what is assumed to be a chalice, a Temple ceremonial cup.

New Agorot.edges_

The half-sheqel and 1 sheqel coins were not far apart in diameter. the edges helped in identification: the half- was fully reeded while the 1 sheqel had intermittant smooth and reeded sections.

New Agorot.5 Sheqalim

Issued in September of 1981 in 24 mm. Aluminum bronze, this yellow-colored coin circulated for just 4 years, being withdrawn in September 1985. The edge is reeded.

New Agorot.5 Sheqel.Design

The reverse was inspired by that of a very rare coin of Hasmonean leader Yochanan Hyrcanus I (135-104 BCE). It shows a double cornucopia both horns leaning to the right with fruits showing at the top. The designer took some artistic license with this design.

New Agorot.10 Sheqalim

Issued in 1982 in 26 mm. copper-nickel. The denomination reads 'Ten Sheqalim'. Issued in 1982 and circulated until 1985. The obverse re-uses the double star design. The edge is smooth.

New Agurot.10 Sheqalim.Design

The reverse of this coin presents a new design, borrowed from an original coin of Herod Archelaus (4 BCE - 6 CE). It is an ancient galley with a large ornament on the right side and a battering ram on the left. Several oars and a rudder extend down from the ship. The original had his title 'Ethnarch' in scattered letters above the vessel.

New Agurot.50 Sheqalim

Issued March 1984 and circulated until September 1986. 28 mm. Minted from an alloy of copper/aluminum/nickel. The 2 stars are continued on the obverse. Close to the 100 Sheqalim coin in diameter but yellow in color and with fine reeding on the edge.

New Agurot.50 Sheqalim.Design

This denomination copied the design of a delightful copper coin from the 4th year of the 1st revolt (69 CE). it shows a set of the 'Arba Minim' - the 4 agricultural species used on the Sukkot holiday. We see the tall Lulav palm branch, with twigs of myrtle ('Hadassim') and willow (Aravot) bound to it. On either side is a citron ('Etrog'). Typically one Etrog was used but 2 are shown, for symmetry. (Other denominations had differing configurations). The ancient inscription reads 'Year Four'.

New Agurot.100 Sheqalim

Issued in 1984 and only circulated for about 1 year. Copper-nickel 29 mm. White in color with rough reeding on the edge, to distinguish it from the 50 Sheqalim coin. The 1, 5, 10, 50 & 100 sheqel coins were minted briefly in 1985 until the new coin series was issued that same year.

New Agurot.100 Sheqalim.Design

The reverse of this coin reproduces the ancient image of a Mattityahu Antigonus coin (40-37 BCE). That very rare coin pictures the ancient 7- branched Menorah, presumed to be the one that stood in the 2nd Temple. Part of this last Hasmonean's name appears in Greek on the original.

New Agorot.Chanukah issues

These special issues were issued in honor of Chanukah. They were intended to supply special coins to be used in giving 'Chanukah Gelt' (money) to children which is an old custom. The 10 Sh. was issued in November 1983, and the 100 (with the Menorah design) in December 1984. They read 'Hanukka' in Hebrew and English, with a small Menorah in between.

New Agorot.Edge Reeding

The 50 shekel and 100 shekel were only 1 mm. apart in diameter. Although one was yellow and 1 was white, they would be hard to tell apart by a blind person. The edge differences helped: the 50 had a very fine reeding, while the 100 had a much thicker, rougher reeded edge, that could be felt.

New Agorot.personalities

Special issues honor founding personalities of the State. 1984 10 Sheqel honors Herzl. 1985 50 Sheqel honors Ben Gurion and the 100 sheqel honors Jabotinsky.

New Sheqel.Set.Denominations_edited

After a decade of economic instability, including hyperinflation and repeated devaluations against foreign currency, 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. These are the new denominations, starting September 1985. They range from 1 Agora to 10 (New) Sheqels.

New Sheqels.1 Agora

The small change is called Agorot (not 'new Agorot'). The 1 Agora is struck in aluminum-nickel-copper alloy and is 17 mm. It circulated from 1985 to 1991, after which it was no longer in circulation or legal tender.

New Sheqel.1 Agora.Design

conforming to the 1000-to-one formula, the 1 Agora used the design of the previous 10 Sheqel coin. That is a Roman galley.

New Sheqels.5 Agorot

Struck in the same alloy as the 1, this coin is 19.5 mm in diameter. Issued from 1985 until 2007, it too stopped circulating and was no longer legal tender as of January 2008.

New Sheqels.5 Agorot

The 5 Agorot was equivalent to the old 50 Sheqel coin and repeated its design. That is the Year-Four bronze eighth shekel of the First Revolt, picturing the Lulav and its accompanying species.

New Sheqels.10 Agorot

The 10 Agorot continues the same alloy and is 22 mm. It is currently (as of 2021) the smallest denomination in use, often ignored in rounded purchases.

New Sheqels.Half Sheqel

The half-Sheqel is struck in the same alloy, 26 mm. in diameter. It has circulated from 1985 to date.

State.NS.half%20sheqel_edited

There was no 500 Sheqel coin design to copy. A new one was used. It is borrowed from an ancient Jewish seal, dating back to the First Temple period. Seals were carved, in reverse, of semi-precious stone, and used to imprint the owner's name in clay or wax. This Lyre accompanied the name 'Ma'adana bat Hamelech' (daughter of the king) but is otherwise un-identified. Our coin copies the harp impression rather than the original reversed engraving.

New Sheqels.1 Sheqel

The one-Sheqel coin was produced in copper-nickel at 18 mm. It continues to circulate, since 1985. It is not much bigger than the 1 Agora, but is much thicker.

New Sheqels.1 Sheqel.Design

This coin replicates the Lily from the ancient Yehud series dating back to the Persian period. It even includes the word 'YEHUD" in the original ancient script: Y H D. The lily was associated with Jerusalem.

New Sheqels.5 Sheqalim

The 5 Sheqel coin is copper-nickel 24 mm., close to the size of the half-Sheqel, but thicker. Importantly, it is also 12 sided, allowing it to be identified by touch. Issued in January of 1990 and continues to circulate (2021).

New Sheqels.5 Sheqel.Design

The 5 Sheqel coin design comes from ancient Jewish architecture. It is an ornate column 'capital' (top) found in the Jerusalem ruins of First Temple period buildings. This was a time when Jewish kings ruled and these stone features belong to buildings of the wealthy.

New Sheqels.10 Sheqels

The 10- Sheqel coin was issued in 1995. At 23 mm. it is close to the 5 Sheqel in size. However it features a reeded edge which feels different to the touch. It is round (not 12 sided). Most significantly, it is bi-metallic, having a copper-nickel outer ring and an aluminum-bronze center. It is similar to European Euro coins of higher denominations. It was issued sporadically until 2009 and consistently since then.

New Sheqels.10 Sheqel.Design

The 10 Sheqel coin borrows its design from a rare First-Revolt bronze half-shekel. Mine is not so clear so I have added an image of a nicer one. We see a palm tree flanked by 2 baskets of fruits. The inscription, in both ancient and modern script, reads 'Lege'ulat Tziyon' - for the Redemption of Zion.

Agurot.Set.Chanukah

1988-89. Chanukah set. Starting 1986, a Chanukah set was issued each year. this set includes every denomination issued at that time (1988). Israel spell chanukah 'Hanukka'.

Agurot.Chanukah set examples

This set is from 5748 (1988-89). The regular-issue coins have 'Hanukka' in Hebrew and English with a Menorah in between, added to each coin.

State.New shekel.Chanukah singles..1986.

Special Issue.1988.Piedfort

A special set of the 5 denominations was issued in 1988 to mark Israel's 40th anniversary. The regular designs had an additional phrase "40 Years of Israel". More special are the planchets on which they were struck. They are double the usual thickness. Specimens like this are called 'piedfort', meaning heavy weight and are meant for presentation or model coins.

New Shekel.Personalities

Israel continued to honor historic personalities on circulating coins. The 1986 half-Lira coin honors Baron Edmund Rothschild, a famous early supporter. The 1988 1 Sheqel coin honors RAMBAM - Maimonides, a medieval Sephardic Rabbinic giant. The 1990 5 Sheqel honors Prime Minister Levi Eshkol and the 1993 coin honors first President Chaim Weizmann. The 1995 10 Sheqel coin honors Prime Minister Golda Meir.

Commemoratives.1958

Israel issued its first commemorative 'coin' aimed at collectors, in 1958, on its 10th anniversary. It was 25 grams of silver, much more substantial than any circulating coin, and not meant to circulate. The Menorah had become a symbol of the Jewish people, much more authentic than the 'Star of David', and dating back to antiquity. 25 g. 34 mm.

Commem.1959.Ingathering

The 1959 anniversary coin celebrated mass Jewish immigration. 11 dancers represent the 11th anniversary. Each dancer is wearing a different ethnic Jewish costume, representing their varied backgrounds. The open circle welcomes future immigrants. The inscription "Your children shall return to their borders" (Jeremiah 31:17) foreshadows this Ingathering of Exiles from the Jewish Diaspora.

Commem.1960.Herzl

The 12th anniversary in 1960 coincided with the 100th anniversary of Theodore Herzl's birth, making him an ideal subject. Considered the 'Father of Political Zionism' his prediction at the 1st Zionist congress in 1997 that within 50 years there would be a Jewish state came true. His bust is accompanied by his quote ("If You Will It,) It Is No Legend"). Also issued was a version in gold - Israel's first.

Herzl.Gold Commemorative

Along with the silver commemorative, Israel issued a gold 20-Lira coin. It was the size and purity of the British sovereign, 22 mm with just under a quarter ounce of gold - the first gold coin in history issued under national Jewish auspices. Not everyone was happy that it sported a 'graven image', Herzl's portrait in relief. Non-circulating gold commemoratives continued to be issued. At a much later date, portraits were presented differently, with less objection.

Commem.1961.Bar Mitzvah

The 13th anniversary was presented as the 'Bar Mitzvah Year' of Israel. The theme was represented by the words in Hebrew: Bar Mitzvah, and the ancient image of a Holy Ark in which scrolls of the Torah were kept. At that period the scrolls were stored lying down in shelves and we see the edges of six scrolls. The coin became an ideal Bar Mitzvah gift for 13 year olds. This 5 Lira series continued through 1967.

Commem.1968.Jerusalem

1968 was Israel's first opportunity to commemorate the re-unification of Old and New Jerusalem, as a result of the Six Day War. The design shows a continuous panorama of Old and New buildings. The front adopts an image from the Bar Kochba 'Jerusalem' shekel/sela of 133 CE. The coin is larger and thinner, now nominally valued at 10 Lirot. 26 g. 37 mm.

Commem.1969.Soldier / Peace

The 21st anniversary coin calls for Peace on the obverse in large letters. On the reverse we find a tribute to the fallen Israeli soldiers who sacrifice for that Peace. We see a helmet and olive branch, symbolizing the Israel Defense Forces, and a quote about Moses' death from Deuteronomy (34:6) - "And No Man Knows His Burial Place'. Generally applied to unknown soldiers, Israel knows ALL of its soldiers and prizes every one. The words are portrayed like a burial mound.

Commem.1973.25th Independence

For the 25th anniversary the scroll of Israel's Declaration of Independence was chosen. The signatures of its founding fathers are shown and an excerpt below: "We hereby declare the establishment of a Jewish state in the Land of Israel, known as The State of Israel".

Commem.1990.NS 1.Archaeology

This 42nd anniversary commemorative was denominated as 1 New Sheqel. It celebrates archaeology in Israel. The 1 sheqel issue contains 14 grams of silver, just like the ancient Jewish shekels of the Temple. It was also issued as 2 silver Sheqels and a gold 10-Sheqel variety. Israel has issued over 500 different commemorative/collector coins over the years, many of them illustrated on the internet.

Commem.Six Day War

This was a special issue, as the events happened after the Independence Day anniversary of 1967. It commemorates the victory of the 6 Day War, paying tribute to the Israel Defense Forces with its symbol on the obverse. The reverse pictures the Holy Western Wall, which had been cut off from Jewish visits since 1949. Its liberation on the 28th of Iyyar has become its own holiday 'Yom Yerushalayim / Jerusalem Day each year on that Hebrew date.

Commem.1980.Peace with Egypt

This 1980 issue in the value of 200 (old) Lirot, commemorates the peace treaty of 1979 with Egypt. We read 'Peace' in Hebrew, Arabic, and English on the obverse, and the date of the event - 26 March 1979 - on the reverse. A 1995 issue commemorates the peace treaty with Jordan.

Commem.Half Sheqel.Historic Sites

Another commemorative series presented 'Historic Sites in the Holy Land'. It was denominated as One- Half Sheqel and contained 7 grams of silver, half the amount in an ancient 14 gram Jewish shekel. The reverses are all the same (except for the date). This series ran from 1982 until 1990. Above we see the 1982 issue, featuring the Cliffs of Qumran, in whose caves were found the famous Dead Sea Scrolls.

Commem.1958.Chanukah

Some issues had a specific and even utilitarian purpose. While the circulating one-Lira denomination was a banknote, this coin was issued to be Chanukah Gelt'. That is, coins to give as gifts to children for Chanukah. The 7 branched Menorah design is taken from the ancient coins of M. Antigonus. Of course modern Chanukah lamps have 8 branches and usually a ninth to hold the shamash lighting candle.

Commem.'Chanukah'

The 1 Lira series continued the following year, strangely having nothing to do with Chanukah. The 1960 issue honored Kibbutz Deganiah on its 50th anniversary, as the 'Mother of Cooperative Settlements'. The kibbutz is represented on the shore of Yam Kinneret, the Sea of Galilee. Next came an issue honoring Henrietta Szold on her 100th birthday, showing her Hadassah organization's hospital on the obverse & shepherdess holding a lamb, alluding to her work with youth Aliyah during the Holocaust.

Commem.1961.Chanukah.Elephant

Finally the 4th issue returns to a Chanukah theme, picturing a scene from the wars of the Maccabees. Elazar, one of the original 5 brothers, spears a Syrian war elephant, bringing down a general at the cost of his own life. The reverse declares 'He gave Up His Life'. The issue was surely also alluding to the modern Maccabees of the Israeli army, risking their lives in defense of their country.

Commem.1962.Chanukah.Lamp

Israel now turned to portraying examples of a 'Hannukiya' - Chanukah lamp - from around the world. Besides being an appropriate theme for the holiday, it was a way to highlight the various communities from which newly arriving immigrants came to Israel. This one, dated 5723/1962, is from 17th century Italy, and in fact is a design common to Mediterranean Jewish communities.

Commem.1963.Chanukah.

This issue of 5724/1963 was the last of the 32 mm. copper-nickel issues. It features a 'North African Lamp' from the 18th century. This series lapsed for 10 years and resumed in 1972 with a silver 5 Lirot issue.

Comems.Silver 5 & 10 Lirot

the Chanukah lamp series resumed in 1972, now in silver. Denominated 5 Lirot in '72 and '73, and from '74 through '79 in 10 Lirot. Here are represented Russia, Babylonia (Iraq), Damascus, and Holland.

Commem.Chanukah.1976

The Chanukah lamp chosen for 1976 is an American one used in the 18 - 19th centuries. It is a portable lamp that folds up for travel. Not by coincidence, it was chosen this particular year to acknowledge America's bicentennial celebration.

Commem.Chanukah.1984

The Chanukah series changed denominations alongside the circulation coinage. In 1980 with the adoption of the Sheqel denomination, these were now also Sheqel coins. This 1984 issue shows a lamp made from scrap metal in the Theresienstadt Ghetto which started as a model ghetto but eventually claimed 120,000 lives. Notice that the numeral on the back is striped like an Auschwitz uniform, worn by Theresienstadt's prisoners when they were shipped there.

Commem.Chanukah.1986

The 1986 issue again honored an immigrant home country, this time Algeria. 1990 was the last year of this series. Then the 1 & 2 Sheqel coins switched to other themes.

State.Comems.Chanukah Setited

While the Chanukah lamps series in silver ended in 1990, it reappeared on a special half-Sheqel coin, issued in the Chanukah trade coin sets. This set shows the trade coins with special Hanukkah inscription. It includes a regular half-Sheqel and an extra, special half-Sheqel displaying a lamp. It happens to be the same one from Theresienstadt that we previously saw on the 1984 silver 1 Sheqel issue.

State.Comems.Chanukah Set

Here is the image side of the set.

Commem.Chanukah.half-sheqel.1993.Theres.

Starting 1987, Chanukah sets of circulating coins were issued, with the addition of the word Hanukkah (as Israel spells it). But from 1994 to 2000 the sets included a special additional half-Sheqel coin. This 1993 set brings back the Theresienstadt lamp.

Commem.1961.Purim

Another functional commemorative is the half-Lira coin, issued in 1961 & 1962. At this time that denomination was a banknote, and there was no coin. The purpose was to supply a coin for use in the custom of contributing a half-denomination coin to charity at Purim. This is based on the Biblical commandment (Exodus 30:11-15) to donate a 'half-shekel' to the Temple. This coin reproduces a half-shekel coin from the first revolt dated year 3 ( 68 CE).

Commem.Pidyon Haben.a.b._edited

Even more useful is the Pidyon Haben coin. As stated in the Bible (Numbers 18:15) a first- born son must be redeemed by the payment of 5 silver shekels to a Kohen. Over the years many foreign silver coins have served. But this would be a Jewish issue. 37 mm. 26 grams of .900 fine silver. The inscription quotes "All Your First-born Sons You Shall Redeem". Five coins are required for fulfilling the Mitzvah.

Commem.Pidyon.a.b._edited

For 1973, 74, 75 a new design was adopted. It shows a tray which could be used during the ceremony. Five ancient shekels are arrayed on it, around the same Biblical quote " All the First-born of Your Sons You Shall Redeem". Around the rim: 'A Coin of Pidyon Haben'. The 1975 issue increased the denomination to 25 Lirot. The same specifications are maintained: 37 mm. 26 grams of .900 fine silver. Net silver content = 23.4 grams. A set of 5 could be bought with an olive-wood presentation box.

Commem.Pidyon.c_edited

For 1975, a new design was used. Five pomegranate blossoms are arranged around a star, symbolizing the 5 coins required. The coin is larger, at 40 mm. and 30 grams but the silver content is reduced to .800 fine. The net content of silver is 24 g, as much as the previous issues.

Commem.Pidyon.c_edited

The 1977 issue returned to the original specifications: 37 mm. and 26 grams of .900 fine silver. As this commandment is still in full effect today, these coins are a popular and useful means of fulfilling the requirement.

Pidyon Haben Medal

1982 Pidyon Haben MEDAL instead of a coin. No legal tender purchasing power but plenty of silver. 34 mm. 22 grams of .935 fine silver containing 20.57 grams of pure silver. 5 of them totaling 102.85 grams of silver, the exact amount stipulated by Rabbi Ovadya Yosef. Israel continues to issue commemoratives, drawing upon contemporary themes as well as Biblical events and personalities.