1/2 New Sheqel

The New Sheqel coinage system was introduced in 1985 as Israel's response to a hyperinflationary crisis that had rendered the original Sheqel nearly worthless — inflation peaked at over 400% annually in 1984. The redenomination fixed the new currency at 1,000 old Sheqalim to one New Sheqel, and the half-denomination entered circulation alongside it from the first year of issue.

The copper-aluminium-nickel alloy used here was an uncommon choice globally at the time, selected partly for its resistance to the corrosive effects of the Middle Eastern climate on circulating coinage.