In April the Bank of Israel will for the first time issue NIS20 bank notes printed on polymer

Bank of Israel

Press release

20.02.08

The Bank of Israel is currently in the process of delivering sample banknotes printed on polymer to banks, importers of the mechanisms for automatic machines and companies that operate those machines. This is being done so that the machines can be calibrated and adjusted to accept the polymer banknotes.

The Bank is also advising other organizations that handle cash, such as public transport companies and commercial enterprises, of the introduction of the new polymer banknotes into circulation in the near future.

Polymer is a plastic-type of material that has important advantages when used for banknotes, one of which is its high durability, which extends the life of banknotes. In light of the advantages offered by polymer, its use is growing throughout the world, and currently twenty-six countries use it in the production of their banknotes.

The quality of NIS 20 paper banknotes in circulation at present is very low, as the notes change hand very frequently. The use of polymer instead of paper will increase their durability and their lifespan in circulation.

When the new notes go into circulation, both they and the current paper notes will be legal tender.

The design on the polymer notes is the same as that on the paper notes, except for small changes in the security features. The most notable of these is a transparent window in the polymer notes, as shown below, which is easily recognizable by the public. The window has the number “20” embossed on it.