Israeli 1 New Sheqel Coin
Coin/Bullion · Bank of Israel, minted by various mints including Utrecht and Jerusalem.
Pattern: Standard Circulation Coinage, New Sheqel Series
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Bank of Israel, minted by various mints including Utrecht and Jerusalem.
Material
Copper-nickel (75% copper, 25% nickel); note: though silvery in appearance, it contains no actual silver content.
Dimensions
Diameter: 18mm; Thickness: 1.5mm; Weight: 4.0 grams.
Description
This is a standard 1 New Sheqel coin from Israel. While it has a bright silver color, it is composed of a copper-nickel alloy. The design is inspired by ancient Judean coinage, specifically the lily flower found on coins from the Persian period (4th century BCE).
Key Features
Denomination numeral 1, 'New Sheqel' text in three languages, and the State of Israel emblem.
Material & Composition
Copper-nickel (75% copper, 25% nickel); note: though silvery in appearance, it contains no actual silver content.
Finish & Decoration
Satin-lustrous mint finish, machine-struck. Features a lily flower (reverse) and the denomination '1 New Sheqel' (obverse) with inscriptions in Hebrew, Arabic, and English.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No silversmith hallmarks; features mint marks (often a star or 'M') and state-issued denominations and inscriptions.
Construction Details
Industrial die-struck planchet, machine-milled edge. This is a mass-produced government-issued currency item.
Functional Features
Reeded or smooth edge for security, legal tender denomination for commerce.
Handle & Grip Details
None; coin is designed for tactile identification via size and edge.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial precision striking; uniform relief and sharp lettering characteristic of modern state mints.
Authentication Indicators
Weight of 4g and diameter of 18mm; crispness of modern minting dies; lack of silver purity stamps which would not be present on base-metal currency.
Origin & Manufacturing
State of Israel; manufactured in government-contracted mints.
Era & Period
Modern Israel, post-1985 (introduction of the New Sheqel).
Age Estimate
Produced between 1985 and the present day.
Cultural Significance
Represents the monetary sovereignty of the State of Israel and the 1985 economic stabilization plan that introduced this currency.
Condition Notes
Circulated condition with visible surface scratches, minor edge nicks, and typical distribution wear. No significant oxidation or 'silver' tarnish as it is cupro-nickel.
Value Estimate
Face value (approx. $0.27 USD). Numismatic value is negligible for circulated base-metal examples.
Care & Maintenance
Does not require silver polish; cleaning coins actually reduces any numismatic value. Store in a cool, dry place.
Similar Pieces
The 1981 1 Sheqel (Old Sheqel) which is larger; various silver commemorative coins issued by the Holy Land Mint (which actually contain .925 silver).
Interesting Facts
The lily design on the reverse is based on a Yehud coin from the time of the Persian Empire, bridging modern Israeli statehood with ancient history.