Bank of Israel - Current Notes & Coins - Current Currency Series

Current Currency Series

Second Series of the New Sheqel

Second Series of the New Sheqel

20 NIS
20 NIS polymer
50 NIS
100 NIS
200 NIS

On January 3, 1999, the second series of the New Israel Sheqel was put into circulation with the issuance of the new NIS 20 and the new NIS 100 banknotes. On October 31, 1999, the NIS 50 and the NIS 200 banknotes were issued.

The second series includes improved security features against forgery.

The new banknotes share similar design elements and all have uniform security features.

The personages on the second series of NIS notes are those who featured on the same denominations of the first NIS series.

The notes are designed vertically, and all denominations are uniform in size: 138 mm x 71 mm.

The second series was designed by Naomi Rosner and Meir Eshel.

Size:	138 X 71 mm.
Dominant colour:	Green.
Front
Design:	Portrait of Moshe Sharett; picture of the ceremony of the unfurling of the Israeli flag at the UN building on May 12, 1949; text from the speech given by Sharett on that occasion.
Latent image:	A triangle in the right-hand corner.
Sign for the blind:	Two vertical lines in intaglio ink at the top left of the note.
Denomination:	In the top right-hand corner in numbers, in Hebrew and with the words "Bank of Israel"; and in the bottom left-hand corner in metallic gold.
Watermark:	Portrait of Sharett and a small circle beneath it enclosing the initial of his surname (in Hebrew).
Security thread:	Threaded through the paper below the middle of the note.

Back
Design:	Picture of Jewish Brigade volunteers during WW II and of a pre-State look-out tower; text from Sharett's radio address after his return from a visit to the Jewish Brigade in Italy.
Microtext:	To the right of the main text with titles of seven books written by Moshe Sharett.
Denomination:	In numbers with the words "New Sheqalim" and "Bank of Israel"; in iridescent ink and in Arabic characters.
Optical Variable Ink:	A triangle composed of small squares, with the apex pointing to the right.
See-through:	A small triangle printed on either side of the note; the two triangles form a precise Star of David.
Serial numbers:	Once in olive-green and once in black which reflects UV light.
Designers:	Naomi Rosner and Meir Eshel.
Date of Issue:	January 3, 1999.

Size:	138 X 71 mm.
Dominant colour:	Green.
Front
Design:	Portrait of Moshe Sharett; picture of the ceremony of the unfurling of the Israeli flag at the UN building on May 12, 1949; text from the speech given by Sharett on that occasion.
Latent image:	A triangle in the right-hand corner.
Denomination:	In the top right-hand corner in numbers, in Hebrew and with the words "Bank of Israel"; and in the bottom left-hand corner in metallic gold.
Transparent window:	Two Stars of David, partially overlapping. One is transparent, with the number 20 embossed in the center. The color of the other hifts from green to purple when the note is tilted.
Reflection:	The face of Moshe Sharett, reduced in size; the face is visible when holding the note against the light.
Micro-perforation:	The number 20 is punched in micro-holes, and is visible when holding the note against the light.

Back
Design:	Picture of Jewish Brigade volunteers during WW II and of a pre-State look-out tower; text from Sharett's radio address after his return from a visit to the Jewish Brigade in Italy.
Microtext:	To the right of the main text with titles of seven books written by Moshe Sharett.
Denomination:	In numbers with the words "New Sheqalim" and "Bank of Israel"; in iridescent ink and in Arabic characters.
Optical Variable Ink:	A triangle composed of small squares, with the apex pointing to the right.
Serial numbers:	Once in olive-green and once in black which reflects UV light.
Designers:	Naomi Rosner and Meir Eshel.
Date of Issue:	April 13, 2008.

As part of its efforts to upgrade the banknotes in circulation, the Bank of Israel issued for the first time, on April 13, 2008, NIS 20 banknotes made of polymer. The banknote circulates in tandem with the banknotes made of paper.

Polymer is a plastic-type material that has important advantages when used for banknotes; one of these is its high durability, which extends their life.

For more information on the Polymer Note

Size:	138 X 71 mm.
Dominant colour:	Violet.
Front
Design:	Portrait of Shmuel Yosef Agnon; picture of Agnon's study and personal library. Text from the acceptance address given by Agnon when he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1966.
Latent image:	A triangle in the right-hand corner.
Sign for the blind:	Three vertical lines in intaglio ink at the top left of the note.
Denomination:	In the top right-hand corner in numbers, in Hebrew and with the words "Bank of Israel"; and in the bottom left-hand corner in metallic gold.
Watermark:	Portrait of Agnon and a small circle beneath it enclosing the initial of his surname (in Hebrew).
Security thread:	Threaded through the paper below the middle of the note.

Back
Design:	Picture of Agnon's writing stand with his pen and reading glasses. Text lists the titles of sixteen of Agnon's books.
Microtext:	To the right of the main text with titles of seventeen of Agnon's books.
Denomination:	In numbers with the words "New Sheqalim" and "Bank of Israel"; in iridescent ink and in Arabic characters.
Optical Variable Ink:	A triangle, composed of small squares, with the apex pointing to the right.
See-through:	A small triangle printed on either side of the note; the two triangles form a precise Star of David.
Serial numbers:	Once in blue and once in black which reflects UV light.
Designers:	Naomi Rosner and Meir Eshel.
Date of Issue:	October 31, 1999.

Size:	138 X 71 mm.
Dominant colour:	Brown.
Front
Design:	Portrait of Itzhak Ben-Zvi; picture of the interior of the wooden structure which served as the President's residence; text from the speech given by Ben-Zvi at the first assembly of the Yemenite community held at his residence in 1953.
Latent image:	A triangle in the right-hand corner.
Sign for the blind:	One horizontal line in intaglio ink at the top left of the note.
Denomination:	In the top right-hand corner in numbers, in Hebrew and with the words "Bank of Israel"; and in the bottom left-hand corner in metallic gold.
Watermark:	Portrait of Ben-Zvi and a small circle beneath it enclosing the initial of his surname (in Hebrew).
Security thread:	Threaded through the paper below the middle of the note.

Back
Design:	Picture of synagogue in the Galilee village of Peki'in, and a view of Peki'in; text from Ben-Zvi's speech at the inauguration for his second term.
Microtext:	To the right of the main text with titles of nine books written by Ben-Zvi.
Denomination:	In numbers with the words "New Sheqalim" and "Bank of Israel"; in iridescent ink and in Arabic characters.
Optical Variable Ink:	A triangle composed of small squares, with the apex pointing to the right.
See-through:	A small triangle printed on either side of the note; the two triangles form a precise Star of David.
Serial numbers:	Once in orange and once in black which reflects UV light.
Designers:	Naomi Rosner and Meir Eshel.
Date of Issue:	January 3, 1999.

Size:	138 X 71 mm.
Dominant colour:	Red.
Front
Design:	Portrait of Zalman Shazar; picture of pupils in an elementary school class. Text from Shazar's address to the Knesset on July 13, 1949, after the Compulsory Education Law was passed.
Latent image:	A triangle in the right-hand corner.
Sign for the blind:	Two horizontal lines in intaglio ink at the top left of the note.
Denomination:	In the top right-hand corner in numbers, in Hebrew and with the words "Bank of Israel"; and in the bottom left-hand corner in metallic gold.
Watermark:	Portrait of Shazar and a small circle beneath it enclosing the initial of his surname (in Hebrew).
Security thread:	Threaded through the paper below the middle of the note.

Back
Design:	Picture of a typical alley in the town of Safed - a spiritual center of Kabbalists. Text taken from Shazar's essay, Tzofayih Tzefat (Thy Watchers, O Safed), first published in 1950.
Microtext:	To the right of the main text with titles of fifteen of Zalman Shazar's works.
Denomination:	In numbers with the words "New Sheqalim" and "Bank of Israel"; in iridescent ink and in Arabic characters.
Optical Variable Ink:	A triangle, composed of small squares, with the apex pointing to the right.
See-through:	A small triangle printed on either side of the note; the two triangles form a precise Star of David.
Serial numbers:	Once in violet and once in black which reflects UV light.
Designers:	Naomi Rosner and Meir Eshel.
Date of Issue:	October 31, 1999.

Agora and New Sheqel Series

On September 4, 1985 the sheqel was replaced by the new sheqel, which is equal to 1,000 old sheqalim. A series of new denomination coins was put into circulation together with the new banknotes of the first series.

The three smallest denomination coins of the new series have the same obverse as their counterparts in the previous series, while new designs where used for the two higher denominations. The reverse of the coins was designed by Gabi Neuman, who prepared them in secrecy.

In most cases, the models where produced by mints overseas.

Diameter:	17 mm.
Weight:	2 gr.
Edge:	Smooth.
Obverse:	Ancient galley; the emblem of the State of Israel; "Israel" in Hebrew, Arabic and English.
Origin of motif:	Coin issued by Herod Archelaus (4 B.C.E. - 6 C.E.).
Reverse:	The denomination "1" on a square background; "Agora" in Hebrew and English; the date in Hebrew.
Alloy:	Copper 92%, aluminium 6%, nickel 2%.
Design:	Gabi Neumann.
Date of issue:	September 4, 1985.
Ceased to be legal cash tender:	April 1, 1991.

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:	1987.
Date of issue:	December 10, 1986.

Addition to the Reverse:	The words "Israel's 40th Anniversary" in Hebrew.
All other details:	unchanged.
Design:	Gabi Neumann.
Year:	1988.
Date of issue:	June 7, 1988.

Diameter:	19.5 mm.
Weight:	3 gr.
Edge:	Smooth.
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, Arabic and English.
Reverse:	The denomination "5" on a square background; "Agorot" in Hebrew and English; the date in Hebrew.
Alloy:	Copper 92%, aluminium 6%, nickel 2%.
Design:	Gabi Neumann.
Date of issue:	September 4, 1985.
Ceased to be legal cash tender:	January 1, 2008.

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:	1987.
Date of issue:	December 10, 1986.

Addition to the Reverse:	The words "Israel's 40th Anniversary" in Hebrew.
All other details:	unchanged.
Design:	Gabi Neumann.
Year:	1988.
Date of issue:	June 7, 1988.

Diameter:	22 mm.
Weight:	4 gr.
Edge:	Smooth.
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, Arabic and English.
Reverse:	The denomination "10" on a square background; "Agorot" in Hebrew and English; the date in Hebrew.
Alloy:	Copper 92%, aluminium 6%, nickel 2%.
Design:	Obverse: Nathan Karp. Reverse: Gabi Neumann.
Date of issue:	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:	1987.
Date of issue:	December 10, 1986.

Addition to the Reverse:	The words "Israel's 40th Anniversary" in Hebrew.
All other details:	unchanged.
Design:	Gabi Neumann.
Year:	1988.
Date of issue:	June 7, 1988.

Diameter:	26 mm.
Weight:	6.5 gr.
Edge:	Smooth.
Obverse:	Lyre; the emblem of the State of Israel.
Origin of motif:	Ancient Hebrew seal with the inscription "Maadana, the King's daughter".
Reverse:	The denomination "1/2 New Sheqel" in Hebrew and English; the date in Hebrew; "Israel" in Hebrew, Arabic and English.
Alloy:	Copper 92%, aluminium 6%, nickel 2%.
Design:	Obverse: Nathan Karp. Reverse: Gabi Neumann.
Date of issue:	September 4, 1985.

Special issues

Obverse:	An image of Baron Edmond de Rothschild on a background formed by the names of 44 settlements in the Land of Israel.
All other details:	unchanged.
Design:	Gabi Neumann.
Models:	Tidhar Dagan.
Year:	1986.
Date of issue:	July 27, 1986.

Addition to the Reverse:	The word "Hanukka" in Hebrew and English separated by a tiny candelabrum.
All other details:	unchanged.
Design:	Gabi Neumann.
Year:	1987.
Date of issue:	December 10, 1986.

Addition to the Reverse:	The words "Israel's 40th Anniversary" in Hebrew.
All other details:	unchanged.
Design:	Gabi Neumann.
Year:	1988.
Date of issue:	June 7, 1988.

Diameter:	18 mm.
Weight:	4 gr.
Edge:	Smooth.
Obverse:	Lily; "Yehud" in ancient Hebrew; the emblem of the State of Israel.
Origin of motif:	A Judean coin during the Persian period (6th-4th century B.C.E.).
Reverse:	The denomination "1 New Sheqel" in Hebrew and English; the date in Hebrew; "Israel" in Hebrew, Arabic and English.
Alloy:	Copper 75%, nickel 25%.
Design:	Obverse and Model: Victor Houster. Reverse: Gabi Neumann.
Date of issue:	September 4, 1985.
	In 1994, the coin was issued using a different alloy-plated steel. The coin weighs 3.5 grams. In order to differentiate it from the previous issue, a dot was minted on the obverse side, below the emblem of the State.

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:	1986.
Date of issue:	December 6, 1985.

Addition to the Reverse:	The words "Israel's 40th Anniversary" in Hebrew.
All other details:	unchanged.
Design:	Gabi Neumann.
Year:	1988.
Date of issue:	June 7, 1988.

Obverse:	An image of Maimonides (Rambam).
All other details:	unchanged.
Design:	Gabi Neumann.
Year:	1988.
Date of issue:	July 27, 1988.

Diameter:	21.6 mm.
Weight:	5.7 gr.
Thickness:	2.3 mm.
Edge:	Partially milled: Four segments milled and four segments smooth.
Obverse:	A pair of cornucopia filled with fruit and grain with a pomegranate in between; pearls around the top half of the coin; the State symbol.
Origin of motif:	A coin from the era of John Hyrcanus I (127 BCE to 104 BCE).
Reverse:	The words "2 New Sheqalim" in Hebrew, Arabic and English; the year of minting in Hebrew; the word "Israel" in Hebrew, Arabic and English; pearls around the top half of the coin.
Alloy:	Nickel-plated steel
Design:	Obverse and reverse – Ruben Nutels. Engraving: Tidhar Dagan. Arabic writing: Shmuel Aviezer.
Date of issue:	December 9, 2007.

Diameter:	24 mm.
Weight:	8.2 gr.
Thickness:	2.40 mm.
Edge:	12 sides.
Obverse:	Capital of column; the emblem of the State of Israel; "pearls" all around.
Origin of motif:	Typical capital of column from the Israelite period (10th-7th century B.C.E.).
Reverse:	The denomination "5 New Sheqalim" in Hebrew, Arabic and English; the date in Hebrew; "Israel" in Hebrew, Arabic and English; "pearls" all around.
Alloy:	Copper 75%, nickel 25%.
Design:	Obverse: Dov Liff. Reverse: Gabi Neumann.
Models:	Obverse: S. Kretchmer. Reverse: Tidhar Dagan.
Arabic caligraphy:	Yousuf Wahba.
Date of issue:	January 2, 1990.

Special issues

Obverse:	An image of Levi Eshkol.
All other details:	unchanged.
Design:	Gabi Neumann.
Year:	1990.
Date of issue:	September 12, 1990.

Addition to the Reverse:	The word "Hanukka" in Hebrew and English separated by a tiny candelabrum.
All other details:	unchanged.
Design:	Gabi Neumann.
Year:	1991.
Date of issue:	December 2, 1990.

Obverse:	An image of Haim Wizeman.
All other details:	unchanged.
Design:	Gabi Neumann.
Year:	1992.
Date of issue:	November 17, 1992.

Diameter:	Ring: 23 mm. Center: 16 mm.
Weight:	7 gr.
Thickness:	2.2 mm.
Edge:	Reeded.
Obverse:	Palm tree with seven leaves and two baskets with dates; the emblem of the State of Israel; the words "for the redemption of Zion" in ancient and modern Hebrew; vertical lines.
Origin of motif:	Ancient coin from 69 C.E., the fourth year of the Jewish-Roman war, one year before the destruction of the Second Temple.
Reverse:	The denomination "10 New Sheqalim" and "Israel" in Hebrew, Arabic and English; the date in Hebrew; branch with dates, vertical lines.
Alloy:	Ring: Nickel Bonded Steel. Center: Aureate Bonded Bronze.
Design:	Reuven Nutels.
Arabic caligraphy:	Yousuf Wahba.
Date of issue:	February 7, 1995.

Special issues

Obverse:	An image of Golda Meir.
All other details:	unchanged.
Design:	Gabi Neumann.
Year:	1995.
Date of issue:	June 27, 1995.