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.
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.