Guide to Detecting Counterfeit Israeli New Shekel (ILS) Notes

How to Identify Counterfeit Israeli New Shekel (₪) Notes

Traveling to Israel? Exploring Israel means wandering through vibrant markets, historic streets, and lively cafes. Whether you’re picking up spices in Jerusalem, souvenirs in Tel Aviv, or just paying for a quick bite, handling cash is part of the experience. But amid the excitement, it’s wise to stay alert: counterfeit banknotes sometimes circulate, and it’s easy to miss the subtle differences if you’re not familiar with the currency. Israeli New Shekel (ILS) notes are designed with multiple security features, and knowing these will help you confidently identify genuine notes.

Key Security Features of Israeli New Shekel Notes

Watermark:

Each denomination features a portrait watermark of a notable Israeli personality and the denomination's corresponding numeral. Hold the note to the light to check the clarity and depth of the image.

Security Thread:

A metallic security thread runs vertically through each note. Some threads are windowed while others are fully embedded and include microtext with the denomination.

Intaglio Printing (Raised Print):

The main portrait, denomination numerals, bank name (“Bank of Israel”), and certain design elements are printed with raised ink that can be felt to the touch.

See-Through Feature/Registration Device:

Specific elements on the front and back align perfectly under light to form a complete image or numeral.

Microprint:

Tiny text, such as “Bank of Israel” or denomination numbers, is embedded into the background; readable with magnification.

Latent Image:

On some denominations, tilting the note reveals a hidden numeral in a patterned field.

Optically Variable Ink (OVI):

On higher denominations, printed numerals or elements change color when viewed from different angles.

Transparent Window:

Modern Israeli banknotes include a clear polymer window with embossed features for additional authentication.

A Detailed Guide to Identifying Counterfeit ILS Currency by Denomination

Denomination	Dominant Color	Watermark	Security Thread	Raised Print (Intaglio)	See-Through Feature	Microprint	Latent Image	OVI Ink
20 NIS	Purple	Portrait of Moshe Sharett + numeral “20” visible under light	Thin vertical metallic thread with microtext “20 NIS”	Portrait, numerals, and “Bank of Israel”	Tiny elements on front/back align under light	“Bank of Israel” & “20 NIS”	Hidden “20” appears when tilted	Not present
50 NIS	Orange	Portrait of Shaul Tchernichovsky + numeral “50”	Embedded metallic thread with microtext “50 NIS,” partially visible on surface	Portrait, numerals, and bank name	Front/back motifs align perfectly under light	Tiny “Bank of Israel” & “50 NIS”	Hidden “50” appears when tilted	Not present
100 NIS	Red	Portrait of Yitzhak Ben-Zvi + numeral “100”	Vertical metallic thread with microtext “100 NIS,” partially visible	Portrait, numerals, and bank name	Front/back motifs align under light	Tiny “Bank of Israel” & “100 NIS”	Hidden “100” appears when tilted	Numeral “100” shifts from gold to green
200 NIS	Green	Portrait of Zalman Shazar + numeral “200”	Wide embedded metallic thread with microtext “200 NIS,” shows color-shifting effect	Portrait, numerals, and bank name	Ornamental elements align perfectly under light	Tiny “Bank of Israel” & “200 NIS”	Hidden “200” appears when tilted	Numeral “200” shifts color when tilted

1. 20 New Shekel Note

Color Scheme: The note is dominantly purple, with smooth gradient transitions across the borders and background.
Front Design: Features a detailed portrait of Moshe Sharett, Israel’s second Prime Minister.
Back Design: Depicts historical landmarks linked to Sharett, including buildings, symbolic motifs, and patterned backgrounds.
Watermark: A multi-toned portrait of Sharett, along with the numeral “20” is visible when held up to light.
Security Thread: A thin vertical metallic thread runs through the paper. The microtext “20 NIS” is printed along the thread and should be readable under magnification.
Raised Print (Intaglio): The portrait, numerals, and bank name (“Bank of Israel”) are slightly raised and can be felt by touch.
See-Through Feature: Tiny design elements on the front and back align perfectly to form a complete motif or numeral when held against light.
Microprint: Small inscriptions like “Bank of Israel” and “20 NIS” are embedded into the design. They appear as solid lines to the naked eye but are clearly legible with magnification.
Latent Image: Tilting the note reveals a hidden numeral “20” within a patterned area. The image should appear crisp, not blurry.
Optically Variable Ink (OVI): This denomination does not have color-shifting ink.

2. 50 NIS Note

Color Scheme: The note is bright orange with subtle gradient variations.
Front Design: Features the portrait of poet Shaul Tchernichovsky with finely detailed hair, facial lines, and eyes.
Back Design: Illustrates motifs related to Tchernichovsky’s life, including symbolic architecture and landscapes.
Watermark: Multi-toned portrait of Tchernichovsky along with the numeral “50” is visible under light.
Security Thread: Embedded metallic thread with microtext “50 NIS” runs vertically through the note. It should appear in surface windows and continue without interruption when backlit.
Raised Print (Intaglio): The portrait, numerals, and bank name are tactile and slightly rough to the touch, providing a texture check for authenticity.
See-Through Feature: Front and back elements align under light to form a complete design.
Microprint: Tiny “Bank of Israel” and “50 NIS” inscriptions are incorporated into the background design, visible only under magnification.
Latent Image: Tilting the note reveals a hidden “50” within a patterned area. The numeral should appear clean and precise.
Optically Variable Ink (OVI): It is not present on this denomination.

3. 100 NIS Note

Color Scheme: The note is red in color with fine gradient transitions.
Front Design: Portrait of Yitzhak Ben-Zvi, Israel’s second President, showing precise facial details, hair texture, and subtle shading in the skin.
Back Design: Depicts historical buildings, landscapes, and symbolic motifs connected to Ben-Zvi.
Watermark: Multi-toned portrait of Ben-Zvi with numeral “100” is visible when held to light.
Security Thread: Vertical embedded metallic thread with microtext “100 NIS” is continuous through the note and partially visible on the surface. The thread shimmers under light.
Raised Print (Intaglio): Portrait, numerals, and bank name are slightly raised and tactile.
See-Through Feature: Motifs printed on the front and back align perfectly when backlit to form a complete image or numeral.
Microprint: Tiny inscriptions of “Bank of Israel” and “100 NIS” are embedded within the background and sharp under magnification.
Latent Image: Tilting the note reveals a hidden “100” numeral in a patterned area. This image should be crisp and clearly defined.
Optically Variable Ink (OVI): The large numeral “100” shifts from gold to green when viewed from different angles.

4. 200 NIS Note

Color Scheme: The note is green in color with smooth gradient shading.
Front Design: Portrait of Zalman Shazar, Israel’s third President, with finely detailed hair, facial features, and expressions.
Back Design: Illustrates historical buildings and symbolic landscapes linked to Shazar.
Watermark: Multi-toned portrait of Shazar plus numeral “200” visible when held to light.
Security Thread: Wide metallic embedded thread with microtext “200 NIS.” The thread shows a color-shifting effect when tilted and appears continuous under light.
Raised Print (Intaglio): Portrait, numerals, and bank name are raised and tactile, providing an easy feel-test for authenticity.
See-Through Feature: Ornamental elements on the front and back align perfectly under light, forming a complete pattern.
Microprint: Tiny inscriptions of “Bank of Israel” and “200 NIS” embedded throughout the note.
Latent Image: Tilting the note reveals a hidden numeral “200” in the patterned area. The numeral should appear crisp and clear.
Optically Variable Ink (OVI): The numeral “200” shifts color when tilted, helping verify authenticity quickly.

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