Shekel facts for kids

An electrum Carthaginian shekel, c. 310–290 BC, bearing the image of Tanit, consort of Baʿal Hammon.

Shekel or sheqel (Hebrew: שקל‎‎, plural שקלים sheqalim or shekels; Akkadian: 𒅆𒅗𒇻 šiqlu or siqlu) is an ancient Near Eastern unit of weight. It was a currency in ancient Israel under the Maccabees and in ancient Carthage.

The modern currency unit used in the State of Israel today is officially known as the Israeli new shekel (Hebrew: שקל חדש, sign: ₪), which replaced the Old Israeli shekel in 1985.

The new ₪20 banknote issued since 2017.

A silver Tyrian half-shekel from 102 BC bearing the image of Melqart, the Tyrian Hercules.

Images for kids

The IS 1 banknote, issued in 1980 but then discontinued.
The cupronickel Israeli shekel (properly "sheqel" and now known as the "old shekel"), issued between 1981 and 1985, when it was replaced owing to its hyperinflation.
The NIS 1 banknote, issued in 1986 but since discontinued.
The cupronickel Israeli new shekel (properly "new sheqel"), the present currency of the state of Israel.
The half-Shekel coin discovered in Hurvat Itri
A silver Bar Kochba shekel from Simon bar Kokhba's revolt against Roman rule. Obverse: The Temple façade with a rising star surrounded by "Simon". Reverse: A lulav surrounded by "To the Freedom of Jerusalem".