1992 Israel 50 New Sheqalim – S.Y. Agnon & the Literary Soul of a Nation

Pick# 55c | Printed by Bank of Israel

Issued during Israel’s early New Shekel era, the 1992 50 New Sheqalim banknote honors Shmuel Yosef Agnon, the nation’s first Nobel Prize laureate and a towering figure in modern Hebrew literature. Designed by Eliezer Weishoff and printed by the Bank of Israel, this note reflects the country’s deep cultural roots and its reverence for literary heritage.

Part of the Series VI “Jewish and Israeli Personalities,” this issue blends poetic symbolism with historical imagery. With its portrait of Agnon and scenes from both Jerusalem and Eastern European shtetls, it offers collectors a visual bridge between tradition and modernity.



Design Highlights

Obverse:
Portrait of S.Y. Agnon in a contemplative pose
Background of books representing his literary contributions
Text: Bank of Israel and 50 New Sheqalim in Hebrew
Hebrew year: תשנ"ב (1992)

Reverse:
Skyline of Jerusalem and a depiction of a Polish shtetl
Microprint titles of 18 of Agnon’s works
Text: Bank of Israel and 50 New Sheqalim in Arabic and English

Watermark:
Portrait of S.Y. Agnon

Security Features:
Central security thread
Look-through Star of David formed by front and back patterns
Pentagon tactile mark for the visually impaired
Black serial numbers



Specifications
Attribute Details
Country Israel
Year 1992
Denomination 50 New Sheqalim
Issuer Bank of Israel
Designer Eliezer Weishoff
Size 138 × 76 mm
Material Paper
Pick Number P# 55c
Watermark S.Y. Agnon
Status Demonetized



Why Add This Note to Your Collection?

This 1992 Israel 50 New Sheqalim note is ideal for:
Collectors of literary and cultural themes
Admirers of Nobel Prize laureates and Hebrew literature
Fans of Israeli banknote design and symbolism
Curators of Jewish heritage and diaspora narratives

Whether you're building a collection around national identity or celebrating the power of storytelling, this note offers cultural depth, artistic elegance, and historical resonance.