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About the Israeli New Shekel (ILS)

What Is the Israeli New Shekel (ILS)?

The Israeli New Shekel (ILS), symbolized as ₪ and sometimes abbreviated as NIS, is the official currency of Israel. ILS is the international three-letter abbreviation for this currency, which has been in use since 1986. The new shekel replaced the hyper-inflated original shekel at a ratio of 1000 to 1. At the time of its introduction, it was identified by the abbreviation NIS to distinguish it from the old shekel. The Israeli New Shekel is subdivided into 100 agorot and is also used in the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

The Israeli New Shekel is issued by the Bank of Israel, which is the central bank of Israel. The Bank of Israel is responsible for the design, production, and distribution of the nation's currency, as well as for implementing monetary policy, maintaining financial stability, and managing foreign exchange reserves. The bank's role in issuing currency includes ensuring the security and integrity of the Israeli New Shekel, both in terms of coins and banknotes.

What Is the History of ILS?

The term "shekel" has ancient roots, originating from a Biblical currency and unit of weight. The modern Israeli currency system evolved through various stages, starting with the Palestine pound issued by the Anglo-Palestine Bank up to 1952. This was replaced by the Israeli pound (lira yisraelit) in 1952, which was in turn replaced by the shekel in 1980. Due to hyperinflation, the old shekel was replaced by the new shekel in 1986.

Notes and Coins of ILS

The Israeli New Shekel (ILS) features a diverse array of coins and banknotes that are not only integral to daily transactions but also reflect the country's rich cultural heritage. The coin denominations include 5 and 10 agorot, and ½, 1, 2, 5, and 10 new shekels. The Bank of Israel introduced a new series of coins with updated inscriptions in 2022. The banknotes, in denominations of 20, 50, 100, and 200 new shekels. The banknotes incorporate advanced security features and are printed by Orell Füssli Security Printing in Switzerland.

Economic Stability and Exchange Rates

Since the 1980s economic crisis, Israel has adopted conservative fiscal and monetary policies, leading to a more stable economy and currency. The new shekel has been a freely convertible currency since 2003 and is traded on global markets. Over the years, the shekel has strengthened against major currencies like the US dollar, reflecting Israel's growing economic stability.

The new shekel's value has fluctuated over time against various currencies. Its exchange rate against major currencies like the US dollar, euro, and pound sterling has been influenced by global economic trends and Israel's economic policies.

Is ILS a Strong Currency?

The Israeli New Shekel is recognized as one of the world's strongest currencies, a status supported by Israel's stable economy, low inflation, and substantial foreign exchange reserves. Ranking 12th globally in foreign investment, with significant growth in recent years, the shekel benefits from Israel's robust economic performance and investor confidence. The thriving technology sector and strategic global trade position further reinforce its strength. As a free-floating fiat currency, the shekel's value, notably strong against the US dollar, reflects market trust. Despite potential sensitivities to regional geopolitics and internal political shifts, the shekel's resilience, especially during global economic downturns, indicates a promising outlook for Israel's economy and its currency.

What Is the Difference Between Israeli New Shekel and Israeli Old Shekel?

The transition from the Israeli Old Shekel to the Israeli New Shekel marked a significant shift in Israel's monetary history, primarily driven by the need to combat hyperinflation and stabilize the economy. The Old Shekel, in circulation from 1980 to 1985, suffered from severe devaluation and economic instability, leading to its replacement in 1986 by the New Shekel at a ratio of 1000:1. This change was a crucial part of Israel's broader economic stabilization plan, which included adopting more conservative fiscal and monetary policies. The introduction of the New Shekel not only curbed the rampant inflation but also restored confidence in the national currency. It brought with it new banknotes and coins featuring updated designs and enhanced security features, reflecting both the cultural aspects of the time and the need for a more robust and stable monetary system.