10 lirot 1978

Common. The 1978 10 Lirot (Pick P-45) is a regular issue with substantial circulation numbers. eBay market data shows consistent sales ranging from $1-$6 for circulated and average uncirculated examples over more than a decade, with even high-grade PMG specimens (65-67) typically selling for $15-$40. The note's regular issue status, production volume, and the consistent availability in the secondary market all confirm its common classification.

Issued during Israel's early years of the Sheqel currency system, this 1978 note commemorates Dr. Theodor Herzl, the visionary founder of modern Zionism, whose portrait and watermark appear prominently on the obverse. The reverse depicts the Zion Gate (Sha'ar Zion), one of the eight gates of the Old City of Jerusalem's walls, symbolizing the historic Jewish connection to Jerusalem and the Land of Israel. The note's design reflects Israel's emphasis on historical and national imagery during a period of nation-building and cultural consolidation.

The obverse features a three-quarter profile portrait of Dr. Theodor Herzl, the bearded founder of modern Zionism, dressed in formal attire, positioned on the right side of the note. Behind him stands the entrance gate to Mt. Herzl (Har Herzl) in Jerusalem, depicted as a stone fortification with blue-barred windows and horizontal architectural detailing. The reverse showcases the Zion Gate (Sha'ar Zion), an ancient stone structure with characteristic Romanesque/medieval architecture, including a prominent arched entrance, crenellated upper portions, and detailed ashlar stonework with multiple small window openings. Both sides feature decorative wavy line patterns as background security elements, with the denomination '10' appearing in all four corners. The color scheme utilizes light blue, light green, gray, dark blue, and beige tones throughout.

Front side: בנק ישראל (Bank of Israel), עשרה שקלים (Ten shekels), התשל"ח (1978 in Hebrew calendar), with Arabic numerals '10' in upper corners, and signatures/titles for Bank Governor and Chairman. Date marking '8/12/78' appears on the obverse. Back side: בנק ישראל (Bank of Israel) in Hebrew, BANK OF ISRAEL in English, with serial number 566046601 2 appearing in two locations on the reverse side.

Intaglio engraving (line engraving) on multicolor underprint, as evidenced by the finely detailed line work visible in the portrait's facial features, the intricate architectural detailing of both the Mt. Herzl gate and Zion Gate structures, and the precision of the decorative wave pattern backgrounds. The note was produced by Bank of Israel's security printer using traditional banknote engraving methods with multiple color separations. The sharp detail and crisp impressions visible in the UNC specimen indicate high-quality intaglio production standards.

This particular specimen shows serial number 566046601 2 with duplication on both front and back, consistent with standard 1978 production. The date marking 8/12/78 (8 December 1978) corresponds to the issue date. No significant varieties are recorded for this Pick number in numismatic literature; standard variations exist in serial number prefixes and signatures representing different Bank governors/chairmen during the note's production run, but these do not constitute distinct catalog varieties.