Bulgaria | 1881–1952 | Lev

Introduction of the Coin Collection of Bulgaria

The Bulgarian Lev (BGN) was first introduced in 1881, shortly after Bulgaria’s liberation from Ottoman rule. The term “lev” comes from the archaic Bulgarian word for “lion,” symbolizing strength, pride, and independence. Throughout the period from 1881 to 1952, the Lev underwent several transformations and changes in coinage to reflect the evolving political and economic landscape of the country. Each coin issued during this era captures significant aspects of Bulgaria’s national identity, historical milestones, and cultural heritage.

Evolution of Bulgarian Coins (1881–1952)

During this time, Bulgaria issued a variety of coins in denominations of stotinki (100 stotinki = 1 lev) and leva, incorporating symbols of Bulgaria’s history, monarchy, and national pride. Notably, the coinage changed with the fall of the monarchy in 1946 and the establishment of a socialist republic, which prompted further changes in design and denomination.

1881 – 1916 (Kingdom of Bulgaria)

After the restoration of Bulgaria’s independence, coins were minted in denominations ranging from 1 stotinka to 100 leva. Designs prominently featured symbols of the Bulgarian monarchy, including:

• 1 Stotinka: Featured the royal coat of arms.
• 2 and 5 Stotinki: Displayed the Bulgarian lion, a symbol of power.
• 10, 20, and 50 Stotinki: Typically featured the likeness of Prince Alexander I, the first monarch of modern Bulgaria.
• 1, 2, 5, 10, and 20 Leva: Coins depicted Tsar Ferdinand I and were notable for their intricate craftsmanship, which highlighted Bulgaria’s national pride.

1916 – 1945 (World Wars and Economic Hardship)

The First World War and its aftermath brought severe economic instability to Bulgaria, leading to changes in its coinage.

• Post-WWI Issues: Smaller denominations of stotinki coins continued to bear the royal insignia, though inflation significantly reduced their value.
• 1920s Coins: Bulgaria resumed minting silver coins in the leva denomination, including 50 stotinki and 1, 2, and 5 leva coins featuring Tsar Boris III, who came to power after his father’s abdication.
• Pre-WWII Issues: From 1930, larger denominations (10, 20, and 50 leva) were minted in silver, often portraying Tsar Boris III on one side and the national coat of arms or historic monuments on the reverse.

1946 – 1952 (People’s Republic of Bulgaria)

The abolition of the monarchy and the establishment of a communist government in 1946 ushered in a new era for Bulgarian currency.

• Post-Monarchy Coins (1946-1952): With the transition to socialism, the Bulgarian coin designs no longer featured monarchs. Instead, the imagery shifted to communist symbols and motifs reflecting the new government’s ideology. Coins during this period typically bore symbols like wheat ears and the socialist emblem of Bulgaria.

Key Coin Features of the Period (1881–1952):

• 1 Stotinka (1881–1945): Typically featured the Bulgarian lion or the royal crest, signifying national sovereignty.
• 2 and 5 Stotinki (1881–1945): Depicted significant national emblems, including the Bulgarian coat of arms.
• 10, 20, and 50 Stotinki (1916–1945): These silver coins often featured Tsar Boris III or important national monuments such as the Sofia Cathedral.
• 1, 2, and 5 Leva (1920–1945): Featured Tsar Boris III and images reflecting Bulgaria’s cultural and historical significance, such as the Madara Rider.
• 10, 20, and 50 Leva (1930–1945): These larger silver coins highlighted significant figures in Bulgarian history and the grandeur of the Bulgarian monarchy.
• Post-1946 Coins (1946–1952): Marked the rise of socialist imagery, with coins typically depicting the national emblem of the People’s Republic of Bulgaria, which included a star, wheat, and the hammer and sickle emblem.

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