Quick Coinage Facts
Years Minted: 1949, 1954
Number of Types: 2
Composition: Type 1 - Copper 75%, Nickel 25%
Type 2 – Nickel Clad Steel
Diameter: 19.5 mm
Weight: 2.8 grams
Total Mintage: 16,717,000 (circulation)
Edge: Smooth
Introduction
Following the establishment of the State in 1948, the government of Israel requested the Israel Numismatic Society to propose the designs for a new series of coins. One example from the series is smallest denomination known as the 25 Pruta or 25 Prutot.
Though issued in 1949 & 1954, the coin was ceased to be recognized as legal tender February 22, 1980.
Design
The obverse design was based on the Bar-Kochba coin (132 - 135 C.E.) and features a Cluster of grapes . Above & below the design is the word “Israel” in both Hebrew and Arabic.
The reverse design features the denomination "25 Pruta" and the date in Hebrew inside two stylized olive branches around the rim.
| Obverse | Reverse |
|---|---|
| |
 |
Types
Type 1 - Coins were made of copper/nickel (1949 issues)
Type 2 - Coins were made of nickel/steel (1954 issues)
Mintages
| Year | Mintage | Proof | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1949 | 13,020,000 | 20,000 | varieties exist as “with pearl” |
| 1954 | 3,697,000 |
General Market Notes
With more than 16 million coins produced supply is more than enough to make this an affordable coin. Though the 1949 proof coin with a mintage of only 20,000 is entirely different and can command some high prices.