 One of the most enchanting aspects of the modern state of Israel is the way it keeps Jewish history alive.
When one sees Jews praying in modern day Jerusalem, one can imagine the Jews who prayed in the Holy Temple of Jerusalem over a thousand years ago. When one sees a child playing soccor in the modern city of Ashkelon, one can imagine children playing ball in the ancient city of Ashkelon over a thousand years ago. When one goes to a concert in Ceasaria, one can imagine the people who attended performances in the ancient city of Ceasaria over a thousand years ago. Even taking out one's money to buy something in a store in Israel today can send one's mind sailing back in time. When the new Israeli shekel (NIS) was created in 1985, Jewish history greatly influenced the designs of the coins. Images of Israeli Coins | Origins of Designs
| | One Agora Motif: Ancient Galley
Origin of Motif: Coin issued by Herod Archelaus (4 B.C.E. - 6 C.E.).
| | 5 Agorot Replica of a coin from the fourth year of the war of the Jews against Rome depicting a lulav between two etrogim | | Ten Agorot Replica of a coin issued by Mattathias Antigonus (37-40 B.C.E.) with the seven-branched candelabrum | | Half Shekel (50 Agorot) Motif: Lyre
Origin of Motif: Ancient Hebrew seal with the inscription "Maadana, the King's daughter".
| | One Shekel Motif: Lily; "Yehud" in ancient Hebrew
Origin of Motif: A Judean coin during the Persian period (6th-4th century B.C.E.).
| | Five Shekels Motif: Capital of column
Origin of Motif: Typical capital of column from the Israelite period (10th-7th century B.C.E.).
| | Ten Shekels Motif: Palm tree with seven leaves and two baskets with dates; the words "for the redemption of Zion" in ancient and modern Hebrew
Origin of Motif: Ancient coin from 69 C.E., the fourth year of the Jewish-Roman war, one year before the destruction of the Second Temple.
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For exchange rates, see the Bank of Israel's Daily Foreign Exchange Rates. Source: Bank of Israel
~ Lisa Katz at About.com
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