Sculptural Banknote
Fifty New Sheqalim - Shmuel Yosef Agnon
Shmuel Yosef Agnon, one of the greatest Jewish authors, was the first Israeli to win the prestigious award. Born as Shmuel Yosef Czaczkes in Galicia in 1887, he immigrated to Israel in 1908. He published his first literary work "Agunot" (Forsaken Wives) under the pen name "Agnon" which later he adopted as his official surname.
Agnon developed a unique literary style, incorporating quotations from the Scriptures and Jewish Sages into the daily routine and pace of the modern world. His writing is characterized by the irony of double meanings, depictions of Eastern European Jewish traditions and the pioneering spirit of modern Israel. His works have been translated into numerous languages.
Agnon was the two-time recipient of both the Bialik Prize and the Israel Prize, and was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1966. Agnon passed away in Jerusalem in 1970. After his death, many of his literary works continued to be published by his daughter Emunah Yaron.
The back side of each banknote contains the state emblem, serial number, and signature of the artist - Zaltsman.
