50 Pruta Emergency Fractional Issue

Israel's 1952 fractional notes were a direct response to a chronic small-change shortage — metal was scarce, and coin production could not keep pace with demand in a young state still absorbing mass immigration. The 50 Pruta was part of a series of emergency cardboard-weight notes intended as a stopgap, not a permanent fixture of the currency system.

Eliezer Kaplan, who signed as Minister of Finance, died in July 1952 — the same year this note was issued — making his signature here among the last of his official acts.