
The New Shekel Israel Currency is the official currency of Israel, introduced in 1985 to replace the old shekel. It's divided into 100 agorot.
The New Shekel is issued by the Bank of Israel, which is responsible for maintaining the currency's value and stability. The bank also regulates the money supply and interest rates.
You can exchange your money for New Shekels at a bank or currency exchange office, or withdraw them from an ATM using your debit or credit card. Be aware of any fees associated with these transactions.
The New Shekel comes in various denominations, including coins and banknotes, with the most common being the 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 shekel notes.
Design and Features
The New Shekel currency features a range of security measures, including a latent image, watermark, and security thread.
The latent image is a triangle in the right-hand corner, while the watermark is a portrait of Shmuel Yosef Agnon. The security thread is threaded through the paper below the middle of the note.
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The New Shekel currency also features a range of design elements, including a look-through pattern that forms a Star of David when held against the light. This is found in both the New Shekel Series A and Series B.
Here are some key design features of the New Shekel currency:
- Latent image: A triangle in the right-hand corner.
- Watermark: Portrait of Shmuel Yosef Agnon.
- Security thread: Threaded through the paper below the middle of the note.
- Look-through: A three-sided pattern on the front merges with another on the back to form a Star of David when held against the light.
Features
The New Shekel Series has some amazing security features that make it virtually impossible to counterfeit. These features include a transparent portrait, a watermark image, and a green security thread embedded in the banknote.
The transparent portrait is a watermark image of the portrait shown on the banknote, and it's visible from either side of the banknote when held up to the light. This feature is identical to the portrait shown on the banknote observe, with the denomination next to it.
A security thread is embedded in the banknote and is revealed in three "windows" on the back of the banknote. This thread changes its shade when tilting the banknote, making it harder to replicate.
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The raised ink on the banknote's margins is printed in intaglio and can be felt with the fingers. This feature is especially useful for the visually impaired.
The New Shekel Series also includes a glittering stripe that incorporates a transparent and glittering element next to the portrait. This stripe changes color and pattern when tilted in different directions.
The banknotes in the New Shekel Series have different lengths, with a 7mm difference between denominations. This makes it easier to distinguish between different denominations.
Here are the security features listed for each series:
Each banknote has a dominant color and large, dark digits are printed in intaglio on a light background, while light digits are printed on a dark background.
Hebrew Poets on Currency
The newest shekel banknotes are a feast for the eyes, featuring vibrant colors and poetry.
Each denomination of banknote has the text of a different poem micro-printed on it.
The current bills are minted in four denominations, all of which portray Israeli poets on the obverse.

The 20-shekel note features Rachel Bluwstein, the 50-shekel note features Shaul Tchernichovsky, the 100-shekel note features Leah Goldberg, and the 200-shekel note features Nathan Alterman.
The bills also include micro-printed poetry by the featured author on both sides.
Each poet's work is a unique addition to the design.
The current series was originally planned to include images of the deceased Israeli leaders Menachem Begin and Yitzhak Rabin.
However, after Begin's family rejected the plan, the series was changed to honor only poets.
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ILS and Currency
The new shekel has a relatively low inflation rate, averaging around 1.5% per year since its introduction in 1985. This stability has contributed to the shekel's value.
The Israeli government has implemented various measures to maintain the currency's stability, including setting a fixed exchange rate with the US dollar. The shekel's value is pegged to the dollar at a rate of approximately 3.5 shekels per dollar.
The Bank of Israel, the country's central bank, is responsible for managing the country's monetary policy and regulating the financial system. It aims to maintain price stability and promote economic growth.
The new shekel is divided into 100 agorot, the smallest unit of currency in Israel. The agorot is rarely used in everyday transactions, but it's still an official unit of currency.
Transition and Replacement
The new shekel has undergone significant changes since its introduction in 1980. It replaced the old shekel, which was the currency of Israel from 1948 to 1980.
The exchange rate between the old and new shekel was 1,000 old shekels to 1 new shekel. This changeover was a major economic shift for Israel, and it's interesting to note that the new shekel was introduced to combat inflation and stabilize the economy.
The new shekel has been a stable currency for Israel, and its introduction has had a lasting impact on the country's economy.
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(1980-1985)
The original shekel, also known as the old shekel, was the currency of Israel between 24 February 1980 and 31 December 1985.
This period was marked by frequent devaluations against foreign currencies, a trend that started in the 1960s and 1970s.
Inflation was a major issue during this time, and the old shekel experienced hyperinflation in the early 1980s.
The 1985 Economic Stabilization Plan helped contain inflation, paving the way for the introduction of a new currency.
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(1985–Present)

The new shekel has been the currency of Israel since 1985, replacing the old shekel to combat inflation.
The government introduced the new shekel as part of the 1985 Economic Stabilization Plan, which helped contain inflation and stabilize the economy.
Since then, the Bank of Israel and the government have maintained conservative fiscal and monetary policies, introducing market-based economic reforms and free trade agreements that have increased exports and opened new markets for Israeli products and services.
As a result, inflation has been relatively low, and the country now maintains a positive balance of payments, with a current account surplus equivalent to about 3% of its GDP in 2010.
The new shekel has also become a freely convertible currency, available for trading on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange since 2006, and can be exchanged by consumers in many parts of the world.
On May 26, 2008, CLS Bank International announced that it would settle payment instructions in new shekels, making the currency fully convertible.
The new shekel has strengthened in value, rising approximately 20% in value relative to the US dollar from 2001 to 2011, contrasting to weakening in prior decades.
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New Banknotes Feature Vibrant Colors and Poetry
The new shekel banknotes have undergone a significant transformation, featuring vibrant colors and poetry. The 20-shekel note is a bright red, while the 50-shekel note is a deep green, the 100-shekel note is a sunny yellow, and the 200-shekel note is a rich blue.
Each denomination has a unique poem micro-printed on it, adding an extra layer of depth and meaning to the design. The 20-shekel note features a poem on a red background, the 50-shekel note features a poem on a green background, and so on.
The new banknotes also feature a beautiful image of a different type of tree in the background, adding a touch of nature and serenity to the design. The trees are a lovely addition to the overall aesthetic of the new shekel banknotes.
Here's a breakdown of the new banknote denominations and their corresponding colors and poems:
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Usage and Payments
Domestic transfers within Israel are typically processed quickly.
International transfers, however, may take a few business days to reach the recipient's bank account. Consider the processing time when planning your payment to ensure timely delivery.
Banks and financial institutions may apply fees and charges when processing international payments. These fees can vary, so it's advisable to check with your bank to understand the charges associated with your transaction.
The iBanFirst Payment Tracker can help you track your payments and ensure a smooth and efficient payment experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a new Israeli shekel?
The New Israel Shekel (NIS) is the official currency of Israel, also known as a shekel for short. It's divided into 100 smaller units called agorot.
Sources
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