5 Israeli Lirot Banknote (Henrietta Szold)

5 Lirot Israeli Lira (Issued 1973)

The Gate depicted on the reverse of this 1973 five lirot note is Zion Gate, one of the ancient entrances to the Old City of Jerusalem, a site of profound historical and national significance to the State of Israel. Its inclusion on this denomination connects the currency directly to the enduring heritage of Jerusalem, a city central to Israeli identity and statehood. The gate’s weathered stonework, pockmarked by conflict, makes it one of the most visually distinctive and symbolically resonant landmarks in the region. Its appearance on everyday currency placed this emblem of continuity and resilience in the hands of every Israeli citizen.

On the front, the dominant feature is a finely engraved portrait of Henrietta Szold, the American-born Zionist leader, social activist, and founder of Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America, rendered in rich dark brown intaglio engraving to the right of centre. Her likeness is depicted with considerable detail — soft, wavy grey hair, a direct and composed expression, and fine line shading that gives the portrait depth and texture characteristic of high-quality currency engraving. Behind and to the left of her portrait, a classical building with arched colonnades is rendered in lighter engraved tones, its architectural symmetry suggesting an institutional or civic structure. The background of the note carries a pale cream and light yellow ground, across which faint guilloché patterning and ghost-like text can be discerned as part of the security printing. Centrally positioned Hebrew text reads “חמש לירות ישראליות” — meaning “Five Israeli Lirot” — set in bold, clearly legible type. The large numeral “5” appears at the upper right corner in dark print, with a matching “5” at the upper left. The issuing authority inscription “בנק ישראל” (Bank of Israel) is printed prominently at the lower centre. The year “1973” appears in both Hebrew and Western numerals at the lower right, and two facsimile signatures are printed at the lower left alongside their Hebrew titles denoting the Governor and the Chairman of the Advisory Council. Three small decorative rosette motifs are visible in a row near the lower left edge. The overall colour palette of the front is warm and restrained, using tones of brown, cream, and pale gold.

The reverse centres on a detailed intaglio engraving of Zion Gate, depicted frontally and rendered with impressive architectural precision. The massive stone blocks of the gate’s surrounding wall are individually defined through careful cross-hatching and line engraving, conveying the weight and antiquity of the masonry. The arched gateway at the centre is set within a decorative stone surround, with iron lanterns or fixtures visible on either side of the arch. The stonework rises to fill much of the note’s face, giving the composition a monumental quality. The serial number 6101932653 appears twice — once at the upper left and once at the lower right — printed in dark ink against the pale background. The inscription “BANK OF ISRAEL” is printed in Roman script along the lower margin, while “בנק ישראל” appears in Hebrew at the upper centre and again in Arabic script at the left edge. The background colour of the reverse is a soft, light tone with faint rose and lavender tints visible in the field behind the engraving, providing subtle contrast to the darker architectural illustration. Watermark impressions and show-through from the front design are faintly visible through the paper.

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