August 17, 1952
Israel’s currency until 1952 is the Israeli Lira (simply known as the Lira). In August 1952, it becomes the New Israeli Lira, with Israeli landscapes sketched on its banknotes. In 1955, pictures of well know Zionist and Israeli leaders, such as Herzl, Bialik and Einstein, are included on the currency notes. After 1967, the gates of Jerusalem are featured on the Lira. In June 4, 1969 the currency is again renamed as “the Sheqel,” on February 24, 1980 becoming the “New Israeli Sheqel.”