When I first held an Israeli coin, its intricate Star of David design made me wonder: what do locals call their currency? Let's explore the official names, historical roots, and practical details every collector should know.
Israeli coins are called "shekels1" (₪) for main denominations and "agorot2" for smaller units, managed by the Bank of Israel since 1985. The modern system combines ancient biblical references with contemporary economic needs.
Last month, a museum client asked us to recreate First Temple-era coins. This project reminded me how Israel's currency tells stories through metal. Let's examine its components.
How Much Is a 10 Agorot Coin Worth Today?
The bronze 10 agorot coin often gets overlooked, but its value extends beyond face price. I recently found one in a Jerusalem market - let's decode its real worth.
A 10 agorot coin equals 0.10 ILS ($0.03 USD). While still legal tender, most vendors round prices to nearest shekel. The Central Bank stopped minting them in 1990 due to inflation.
Understanding Agorot Value Changes
Here's why the 10 agorot remains in circulation despite low purchasing power:
| Jahr | Purchasing Power (Bread Loaves) | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1985 | 2 loaves | Common use |
| 2000 | 1/4 loaf | Rarely used |
| 2024 | 1/20 loaf | Collectors' item |
The Bank of Israel keeps it as psychological pricing tool - much like the US penny. For custom coin producers like us, these small denominations inspire educational replica sets.
What Coins Are Used in Israel Today?
We studied current circulation coins, Here's what's jingling in pockets from Tel Aviv to Eilat.
Israel uses six coins: 10 agorot (rare), ½, 1, 2, 5, and 10 shekels. The 10-shekel bimetallic coin features rotating security designs - we replicate these for collector editions.
Current Coin Specifications
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½ Shekel
Material: Nickel-plated steel
Edge: Smooth
Annual mintage: 15 million -
5 Shekels
Material: Copper-aluminum-nickel
Security feature: Reeded edge
Our production capability: 50,000/day
The 2-shekel coin's twelve-sided shape prevents counterfeiting - a feature we've adapted for corporate challenge coins.
What Is the New Currency of Israel?
When clients request "latest Israeli coins," they usually mean the 2024 10-shekel commemorative series. But true currency updates come slower here.
Israel's currency remains the New Israeli Shekel3 (NIS), unchanged since 1985 reform. The "new" designation distinguishes it from hyperinflated 1980s shekel.
Evolution Timeline
- 1948: Palestine pound
- 1952: Israeli pound (lira)
- 1980: First shekel (1,000:1 conversion)
- 1985: New shekel (1,000:1 again)
Our electroplating department often handles historical replica orders - like the 1968 5-lira coin with dead sea scrolls design.
What Is the Symbol for Israel Coins?
While designing custom coins for an Israeli tech startup, I realized how currency symbols encode national identity.
The Israeli shekel symbol "₪" combines ש (shin) and ח (het) from Hebrew script. Introduced in 1986, it appears on all modern coins' reverse side.
Symbol Usage Guide
- International: ILS (ISO code)
- Local markets: ₪ before amount (₪10.50)
- Our custom coins: Optional symbol engraving
Fun fact: We've made ₪ symbol molds for 38 countries' commemorative issues - including Poland's Israel Friendship Medal.
Premium Replicas for Education & Collecting
After analyzing Israel's coins, consider this: What if you could hold history? Our Wenzhou workshop crafts museum-grade replicas:
INIMAKER produces legal-tender-style coins for educators and collectors, featuring:
- 99.9% zinc alloy base
- Dual electroplating (gold/silver)
- Laser-engraved details (up to 0.1mm precision)
Last month, we shipped 5,000 shekel replicas to a Boston history museum. Each coin included:
- RFID authentication chip
- Multi-language info cards
- Display case with anti-tarnish coating
Whether you need Holocaust memorial tokens or modern shekel teaching aids, we handle:
✅ 3D prototype in 72 hours
✅ MOQ from 100 pieces
✅ MIL-STD-904 anti-scratch coating
Abschluss
Israeli coins blend ancient symbols with modern security. From ₪10 bi-metallic coins to rare agorot, each piece reflects economic resilience. For authentic recreations, choose manufacturers with historical awareness and technical precision.
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Explore the significance of shekels in Israel's economy and culture, enhancing your understanding of this unique currency. ↩
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Learn about the role and value of agorot in Israel's currency system, providing insights into its historical and current significance. ↩
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Discover the history and evolution of the New Israeli Shekel, crucial for understanding Israel's economic landscape. ↩
