ISRAEL, 1949 ~ 25 Mils ~ Closed Link (Jerusalem) ~ State of Israel's first coin ~ Cluster of grapes, based off of coins struck during the Bar-Kochba Revolt (132-135 CE) ~ Ex Y. Meshorer collection ~ KM-8, P2a ~ EF

The Anglo-Palestine Bank Ltd., which prepared the first banknotes even before the State was declared, did not prepare coins. The first steps toward issuing coins were taken by the State itself after its establishment. It was done very quickly, after realizing that there was a shortage of British Mandate coins, which were then in circulation.

Israel's government requested proposals for the design of a new coin series from the Israel Numismatics Society. Until those were ready, a coin with a value of 25 mil was issued. The term "mil" was carried over from the British Mandate. The first coin in the new series, a 50 pruta coin, was only entered into circulation on May 11, 1949. The minting year 5708 (1948) appears only on 25 mil coins which were minted in Jerusalem; those printed in Holon bear the minting year 5709.

Struck from lightweight aluminum, it features a cluster of grapes on the obverse—an homage to ancient Jewish coinage from the Bar-Kochba Revolt (132-135 CE). The reverse displays the denomination within a wreath, with inscriptions in both Hebrew and Arabic, reflecting the multicultural reality of the newly established state.

Released on April 6, 1949, this coin was part of the first series of Israeli currency and was quickly demonetized by September 6, 1950.

Specifications:

Issuer: State of Israel (1948-date)
Years of Issue: 5708-5709 (1948-1949)
Value: 25 Mil
Currency: Palestine Pound
Composition: 97% Aluminum, 3% Magnesium
Weight: 3.8 g
Diameter: 30 mm
Edge: Plain
Demonetized: September 6, 1950