Quick Coinage Facts
Years Minted: 1949, 1954
Number of Types: 2
Composition: Type 1 - Copper 75%, Nickel 25%
Type 2 – Nickel Clad Steel
Diameter: 23.5 mm (type 1) & 23.6 mm (type 2)
Weight: 5.6 grams (type 1) & 5.010 grams (type 2)
Total Mintage: 28,564,000 (circulation)
Edge: Reeded & Smooth available
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 50 Pruta or 50 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 a coin from the war of the Jews against Rome (66 - 70 C.E.) and features a vine leaf . Above & below the design is the word “Israel” in both Hebrew and Arabic.
The reverse design features the denomination "50 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 & 1954 issues)
Type 2 - Coins were made of nickel/steel (1954 issues). Other than being slightly larger in diameter, the easiest way to distinguish 1954 issues is with a magnet. If coin is magnetic then it is a Type 2 coin.
Varieties
Variety 1 - 1949 issues without “Pearl”
Variety 2 - 1954 Type 1 coins with a smooth edge (1949 issues had a reeded edge)
Mintages
| Year | Mintage | Proof | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1949 | 6,240,000 | 20,000 | varieties exist as “without pearl” |
| 1954 | 4,500,000 | Type 1 issues | |
| 1954 | 17,774,000 | Type 2 issues |
General Market Notes
With more than 28 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.