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Banknotes and Coins

The Bank of Israel holds the sole legal authority to issue currency, meaning legal tender (banknotes, coins, commemorative coins, and special coins) in Israel. The Currency Department’s functions include the issuance of currency and the regulation and direction of the currency system, ensuring the orderly supply of cash to the economy in accordance with demand and supply.

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
    Ring: 23 mm. Center: 16 mm
  • Weight
    7 gr.​
  • Rim
    ​Reeded
  • Alloy
    Ring: Nickel Bonded Steel. Center: Aureate Bonded Bronze.​
  • Issue date
    February 7, 1995.
  • Designer
    Reuven Nutels
  • Reverse
    The denomination "10 New Sheqalim" and "Israel" in Hebrew, Arabic and English; the date in Hebrew; branch with dates, vertical lines.​
  • 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.​
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Drag right or left with the mouse or with a finger to rotate the banknote.

Obverse: An image of Golda Meir.

All other details :​unchanged.

Design:​ Gabi Neumann.​

Year:​ 1995

Date of issue: June 27, 1995.​

  • Diameter
    24 mm
  • Weight
    8.2 gr
  • Rim
    ​12 sides
  • Alloy
    Copper 75%, nickel 25%.​
  • Issue date
    January 2, 1990
  • Designer
    Obverse: Dov Liff. Reverse: Gabi Neumann.​
  • Reverse
    Capital of column; the emblem of the State of Israel; "pearls" all around.​
  • Obverse
    The denomination "5 New Sheqalim" in Hebrew, Arabic and English; the date in Hebrew; "Israel" in Hebrew, Arabic and English; "pearls" all around.​
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Drag right or left with the mouse or with a finger to rotate the banknote.

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
    21.6 mm.​
  • Weight
    5.7 gr.​
  • Rim
    Partially milled: Four segments milled and four segments smooth. ​
  • Alloy
    Nickel-plated steel
  • Issue date
    December 9, 2007.​
  • Designer
    Obverse and reverse – Ruben Nutels.
  • 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.
  • 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.​
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Drag right or left with the mouse or with a finger to rotate the banknote.
  • Diameter
    18 mm.​
  • Weight
    4 gr.​
  • Rim
    Smooth
  • Alloy
    Copper 75%, nickel 25%.​
  • Issue date
    September 4, 1985.​
  • Designer
    Obverse and Model: Victor Houster. Reverse: Gabi Neumann.​
  • Reverse
    The denomination "1 New Sheqel" in Hebrew, Arabic and English; the date in Hebrew; "Israel" in Hebrew, Arabic and English.​
  • Obverse
    Lily; "Yehud" in ancient Hebrew; the emblem of the State of Israel.​
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Drag right or left with the mouse or with a finger to rotate the banknote.

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.​

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
    26 mm.​
  • Weight
    6.5 gr.​
  • Rim
    Smooth.​
  • Alloy
    Copper 92%, aluminium 6%, nickel 2%.​
  • Issue date
    September 4, 1985.​
  • Designer
    Obverse: Nathan Karp. Reverse: Gabi Neumann.​
  • Reverse
    The denomination "1/2 New Sheqel" in Hebrew, Arabic and English; the date in Hebrew; "Israel" in Hebrew, Arabic and English.​
  • Obverse
    Lyre; the emblem of the State of Israel.​
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Drag right or left with the mouse or with a finger to rotate the banknote.

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
    22 mm.​
  • Weight
    4 gr.​
  • Rim
    Smooth
  • Alloy
    Copper 92%, aluminium 6%, nickel 2%.​
  • Issue date
    September 4, 1985.​
  • Designer
    Obverse: Nathan Karp. Reverse: Gabi Neumann.​
  • Reverse
    The denomination "10" on a square background; "Agorot" in Hebrew, Arabic and English; the date in Hebrew.​
  • 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.​
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Drag right or left with the mouse or with a finger to rotate the banknote.

​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.​
  • Rim
    Smooth.​
  • Alloy
    Copper 92%, aluminium 6%, nickel 2%.​
  • Issue date
    September 4, 1985.​
  • Cancellation date
    1 בינואר 2008
  • Designer
    Gabi Neumann.​
  • Reverse
    The denomination "5" on a square background; "Agorot" in Hebrew and English; the date in Hebrew.​
  • 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.​
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Drag right or left with the mouse or with a finger to rotate the banknote.

Ceased to be legal cash tender:​ January 1, 2008.​

 

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
    17 mm.​
  • Weight
    2 gr.​
  • Rim
    Smooth
  • Alloy
    Copper 92%, aluminium 6%, nickel 2%.​
  • Issue date
    September 4, 1985.​
  • Designer
    Gabi Neumann.​
  • Reverse
    The denomination "1" on a square background; "Agora" in Hebrew and English; the date in Hebrew.​
  • Obverse
    Ancient galley; the emblem of the State of Israel; "Israel" in Hebrew, Arabic and English.​
Drag right or left with the mouse or with a finger to rotate the banknote.
Drag right or left with the mouse or with a finger to rotate the banknote.

Ceased to be legal cash tender:​ April 1, 1991.​

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.​

Value of banknotes in circulation

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Value of coins in circulation

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Legislation & Regulation

Planning of banknotes, coins and commemorative coins

The currency system in Israel

Private ATMs

מכשירי משיכה אוטומטים פרטיים המאפשרים משיכת מזומנים. מכשירי המשיכה המופעלים ע"י גורמים חוץ בנקאיים נטענים במזומנים שמוקרם בתאגיד בנקאי. ומכל אותם הערוצים הללו מושך הציבור שטרות אותנטיים באיכות ראויה. כמו כן יכול הציבור למשוך מזומנים מקופאים בבתי עסק שונים, מקור המזומנים במקרה זה הוא הקופה של בית העסק.

Retailers and merchants

עיקר הפקדות המזומנים מבוצעות ע"י בתי עסק המחזיקים עסקם עם התאגיד בו מתנהל חשבונם לאופן הפקדת המזומנים.

The public

הציבור הרחב יכול להפקיד מזומנים בכל עת במכשירי המשיכה האוטומטים המאפשרים זו.

Bank branches

לבתי עסק גדולים ישנו ערוץ הפקדה ישיר מבית העסק אל מרכז המזומנים באמצעות חברת בלדרות. במרכז המזומנים נספרים כל המזומנים שהופקדו ע"י הלקוחות במכונות המאושרות ע"י בנק ישראל. לאחר הספירה המזומנים שנספרו והוגדו כ"ראויים" ימוחזרו לציבור, שאר המזומנים יופקדו בבנק ישראל לצורך הוצאתם מהמחזור והבטחת איכות המטבע במחזור.

Currency service machines, such as ATMs

מכשירים בנקאיים למתן שירותי מטבע כגון, משיכת מזומנים והפקדת מזומנים.

Cash centers

משיכות מזומנים מבנק ישראל מתבצעות באמצעות מרכזים לוגיסטיים של התאגידים הבנקאים, הנקראים מרכזי מזומנים. מרכזי המזומנים מספקים מזומנים לסניפי התאגידים הבנקאים, למכשירי המשיכה האוטומטים וללקיחות התאגידים הבנקאיים.

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Commemorative Coins

​ ​Issuance of commemorative coins: As the exclusive issuer of legal tender in Israel, the Bank also issues commemorative coins, each year and to mark special occasions as well. The Governor determines the form of the commemorative coins and special coins with the approval of the Supervisory Council and the Government (as noted in Section 43 of the Law).

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Application Form for Approval to Market Commemorative Coins
Application Form
Commemorative Coins

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Issuance of commemorative coins: As the exclusive issuer of legal tender in Israel, the Bank also issues commemorative coins, each year and to mark special occasions as well. The Governor determines the form of the commemorative coins and special coins with the approval of the Supervisory Council and the Government (as noted in Section 43 of the Law). To that end, the Governor is assisted by the Committee for the Planning of Banknotes, Coins, and Commemorative Coins. The coins are made of silver or gold, and marketed to the public and to collectors in Israel and abroad through a marketing company.

In accordance with Section 43(a) of the Bank of Israel Law, 5770-2010, the marketing of commemorative coins, special coins, and other numismatic items issued by the Bank of Israel (hereinafter, “the coins”) shall be given to a company appointed by the Minister of Finance, with the consent of the Governor.

According to the provisions of low, Minister of Finance Moshe Kahlon, with the consent of the Governor Dr. Karnit Flug, appointed the Israel Coins and Medals Corporation Ltd. (corp. ID #510298573), together with the G.R.A.S. Designs and Combinations Ltd. (corp. ID #511567059) as a nonexclusive marketers of commemorative coins, special coins, and numismatic items issued by the Bank of Israel, that are legal tender in Israel.​

If you would like to be appointed as a marketer of commemorative coins, you must fill in and submit the request forms available at the following link​

Application Form for (Non-Exclusive) Approval to Market Commemorative Coins

With the submission of this form, including its appendices, the submitter (hereinafter, the applicant) declares its agreement with all the marketing approval terms and all other provisions of the application documents, including all the terms of the framework agreement (including its appendices) and the considerations taken into account when approving the request by the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Israel and affirms that it has no reservations regarding them. The applicant declares that should its application be accepted and approved as noted above, it undertakes to act in accordance with the application documents and the framework agreement (including its appendices) and the attached as Part B, signed by the applicant and attached to the application documents. The applicant declares that it is known to it that in accordance with the provisions of the Bank of Israel Law, 5770-2010, the marketing of the coins is dependent on receipt of the approval of the Minister of Finance and the consent of the Governor, and this is over and above the applicant’s complying with the requirements of this form, including its appendices.​

This page was last updated on: 29/01/2024