Israel 1/2 Lira (Pound): 1963-1980

DSC03007.JPG

Quick Coinage Facts

Years Minted: 1963-1980
Number of Types: 2
Composition: Copper 75%, Nickel 25%    
Diameter: 24.5 mm
Weight: 6.8 grams
Total Mintage: 82,814,999 (circulation)
Edge: Milled

Introduction

After the government decided to change the division of the Israel pound (or Lira) from 1,000 prutot to 100 agorot, the new coins were put into circulation starting January 1, 1960.  The name "agora" was taken from 1 Sam. 2:36.   

The coin was ceased to be recognized as legal tender March 31, 1984.

Design

The obverse was designed by Rothschild and Lippman.  The obverse design was based on the relief of the Arch of Titus and features the emblem of the State of Israel as well as the word “Israel” in both Hebrew and Arabic.   

The reverse was designed by Shamir Brothers.  The reverse design features the denomination "1/2 Pound" and the date in Hebrew.

Obverse   Reverse
DSC03007.JPG    DSC03008.JPG   

Types

Type 1 - Coins were made of a Copper - Nickel (1963-1979 issues)
Type 2 - One year type coin to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Bank of Israel (1980 issue)

General Market Notes

Unless otherwise stated, the content of this page is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.5 License.