Israeli Coins — Ancient to Modern

Why Israeli coins are beloved by collectors worldwide

The State of Israel has produced some of the world's most meaningful coins since 1948 — each one a small declaration of nationhood, identity, and continuity. From the very first pruta stamped with the ancient menorah to beautiful modern commemorative issues, Israeli coins are tangible pieces of a living national story.

A brief history of Israeli coins

• 1927–1948 — British Mandate Palestine The British Mandate introduced a unified currency — Palestine pounds and mils — with coins featuring English, Hebrew, and Arabic text and the official Mandate emblem. These are now prized collectibles from a pivotal era.
• 1948 — The State of Israel is born Within months of declaring independence, Israel began minting its own coins. The pruta (1948–1960) was the first — featuring the seven-branched menorah, a palm tree, an amphora, and other ancient Jewish symbols. Holding a pruta is holding the birth of a nation.
• 1960–1980 — The Israeli lira The pruta gave way to the Israeli pound (lira). Lira coins featured Israel's growing identity — the menorah, the Star of David, agricultural imagery celebrating the country's developing land. Early lira coins are increasingly sought after.
• 1980–1985 — Old Israeli shekel Inflation required a revaluation, and the short-lived old shekel era produced coins now scarce enough to attract serious collectors.
• 1985–present — New Israeli Shekel (NIS) Israel's current currency, introduced with new designs honoring Israeli art, history, and culture. Commemorative NIS coins — issued for Independence Day and special occasions — are some of the most beautifully designed coins in the world.
• Commemorative and collector issues Throughout its history, Israel has produced limited-edition silver and gold commemorative coins celebrating its milestones, landscapes, and people. Many are now valuable collector's pieces.

"The first Israeli pruta was struck in 1948 — the same year the state was declared. It featured the ancient menorah: a people reconnecting its present to its deepest past."

What you might receive

Club Israel sources genuine Israeli coins from the British Mandate era (1927–1948) and the State of Israel (1948–present) — from early pruta coins struck in the first months of statehood to vintage lira issues and commemorative pieces. Each arrives with a detailed information card telling the story of its era, who minted it, what it bought, and what it meant to the people who used it.