Bidspirit auction | Israel - 10 Pounds (Lirot)

Israel - 10 Pounds (Lirot) 1958, An official notebook that bound 5 banknotes, Advanced Progressive Proof stages that formed the basis for the final design of the banknote were presented to the various decision makers and all were printed with excess paper at the bottom, where notes were made for the changes that were required by the printer or artist - very rare. - These rare print proof versions were submitted for approval to the Currency Department of the early Bank of Israel, bearing handwritten notes, approval signatures, and revision requests from both bank officials and the printer throughout the design process. The set underwent multiple exchanges between the bank and the printer, as reflected in the physical state of the sheets. Some copies feature signatures of senior Bank of Israel officials, documenting the official stages in the creation of Israel’s first banknotes. These proofs were retained by the printer until recently, serving as the official approval copies confirming the design and graphic work commissioned by the Bank of Israel. This is a unique, one-of-a-kind item, representing an exceptionally rare and authentic witness to the formative stage of Israel’s monetary design history. Proof banknotes are exceptionally high-quality, trial printings of banknotes, produced for design evaluation, approval, or archival documentation – and never intended for public circulation. These notes were printed in extremely limited quantities, often only a few pieces, by official or private security printers, to assess printing quality, color balance, engraving precision, artistic details, and security features of the final design. They were also presented for official review and approval before full-scale production began. Proof notes represent the highest standard of printing craftsmanship, typically printed on premium paper with sharp embossing, vivid colors, and precise cutting. In the field of numismatics, they are regarded as prestigious collector’s items, as they embody a crucial stage in the creative and approval process of new banknote issues. Some represent designs that were never released into circulation, making them particularly rare and unique. Proof banknotes highlight the artistic and technical excellence of currency printing, serving as a striking testament to the high standards of the world’s foremost security printers, including Thomas De La Rue, Bradbury Wilkinson, Giesecke & Devrient, and others. Banknote dimensions: 15.3 X 23 cm