Explore Israeli Notaphily: A Legacy of Biblical Foundation and Heritage
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Israeli banknotes , where each vintage banknote reflects the founding of the State of Israel in 1948, its biblical heritage, and the vibrant resilience of a modern nation. At Iberoamericana Banknotes , we present our collection of vintage Israeli banknotes , meticulously curated for both seasoned collectors and new buyers passionate about the monetary heritage of this land in the Levant. Vintage Israeli banknotes are more than just paper money: they are relics that chronicle the introduction of the Israeli shekel in 1980 (and the pound earlier), issued by the Bank of Israel, symbolizing the economic sovereignty of a country reborn after millennia of diaspora.
The Evolution of Old Banknotes of Israel: From the Pound to the Shekels
Before 1948, the British Mandate used the Palestinian pound . Following independence on May 14, 1948, the Anglo-Palestinian Bank issued the Israeli pound (ILP) in 1948, divided into 1,000 prutah. The first old 500 prutah banknotes , issued in 1948, featured the national coat of arms and Mount Scopus. In 1952, the Bank of Israel was founded, launching series featuring figures such as Theodor Herzl . In 1980, the shekel was introduced (1 shekel = 10 pounds), and in 1985 the new shekel (ILS) (1 new shekel = 1,000 old shekels). The current series (2014–present) includes polymer in all denominations.
Rare Antique Banknotes from Israel: Jewels of Notaphily from the Levant
Our collection highlights rare antique banknotes from Israel , such as:
Libra Series 1948-1952 : the 10 pound of 1952 with Herzl and the port of Haifa.
Shekel Series 1980 : The 50 shekels of 1980 with President Weizmann and the Knesset.
New Shekel Series 1985 : the 1 new shekel of 1986 with Maimonides and Tiberias.
Printing errors : banknotes with duplicate serial numbers or without a watermark.
For enthusiasts of Levantine banknotes , we offer exclusive pieces such as the 1948 500 prutah note featuring the coat of arms and Jerusalem, and the last 200 shekel note from 1992 depicting Shazar and the Jezreel Valley. These vintage banknotes incorporate advanced security features (especially in polymer): a transparent window, microtext, optically variable ink, and watermarks featuring poets. The rarity of the 1948 issues (pre-Bank of Israel) and the 1980 shekels makes them highly sought after at international auctions, valued for their connection to the founding of Israel and the history of immigration.
Preservation and Authenticity of Old Banknotes: Our Promise
Preservation is essential in our selection of vintage Israeli banknotes . Each piece is graded on standard scales such as VF (Very Fine) or UNC (Uncirculated), preserving details like watermarks with Herzl, fluorescent fibers, and the signatures of the Governor of the Bank of Israel. We recommend that collectors of rare vintage banknotes verify their integrity under UV light, where elements such as the Menorah glow in shades of yellow or green. At Iberoamericana Banknotes , all our pieces come from verified sources, avoiding common forgeries found in replicas of the 1948 series.
Why Collect Old Israeli Banknotes
From the 1952 10-pound note featuring Herzl and Haifa to the 1986 new shekel note with Maimonides and Tiberias, this collection offers a window into Israeli history: independence, wars, and rebirth. Each vintage banknote reflects key moments, such as the founding of Israel in 1948 or the hyperinflation of 1985. For new collectors , it's an entry point into collecting Levantine banknotes; for experienced collectors , it's a chance to acquire complete polymer series that will enrich any collection.
Trust Iberoamericana Banknotes
At Iberoamericana Banknotes , we guarantee the authenticity of every antique banknote with detailed certificates and expertise in Ibero-American and Levantine numismatics. We offer pieces in optimal condition for your collectible collection and secure, discreet international shipping to any destination. Trust our authority to elevate your passion for antique Israeli banknotes to new heights.
