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Moldovan leu

The leu is the currency of Republic of Moldova. Like the Romanian leu, the Moldovan leu (pl. lei) is subdivided into 100 bani (singular: ban). The name of the currency originates in Romania and means "lion".

Summary info

Summary information about Moldovan leu

ISO 4217 Code:: MDL
Currency sign:
Country:: Republic of Moldova
Subunit:: ban
Coins:: 1 ban, 5 bani, 10 bani, 25 bani, 50 bani
Banknotes:: 1 leu, 5 lei, 10 lei, 20 lei, 50 lei, 100 lei, 200 lei, 500 lei, 1000 lei
Central bank:: National Bank of Moldova

History

Bessarabia (current-day Moldova) was part of the Russian Empire from 1812 until 1918. In 1918, the Bessarabian legislature voted to become part of Romania. The Moldovan Democratic Republic, founded on February 6, 1918, was incorporated into Romania on April 9, 1918. Moldova was incorporated into the Soviet Union on June 28, 1940 as the Moldovian Soviet Socialist Republic, but when Germany invaded Russia, Moldova was reincorporated into Romania in July 1941. The Soviet Union occupied Moldova in 1944 and it became a de jure part of the Soviet Union on September 15, 1947. Moldova declared its independence from the Soviet Union on August 27, 1991.

The Moldovan National Bank issued banknotes denominated in Ducats (MDD) in the 1850s; however, since Moldova was part of the Russian Empire, Russian Rubles were the main medium of exchange. Paper Assignatzia (Ruble-Banco) also circulated, though usually at a discount to specie money. The monetary system was reformed on July 1, 1839 with 1 Silver Ruble (RUES) set equal to 3.5 Ruble Assignatzia (RUEA). Credit Ruble Banknotes (RUEP) replaced the Ruble Assignatzia on June 1, 1843. Russia went on the Gold Standard on January 3, 1897 and introduced the Gold Ruble, which was used until the outbreak of World War I.

The current territory of Republic of Moldova, west of the Dniester, was part of Romania from 1918 until 1940, and between 1941 and 1944. Consequently, the Romanian Silver Lei (ROS) was used as legal tender during these periods of time. Between June 1940 and July 1941, and from 1944 on, Moldova was part of the Soviet Union, and the Soviet Gold Ruble (SUG) was used as legal tender. After Moldova was reincorporated into the Soviet Union, a New Ruble (SUN) replaced the Gold Ruble on December 29, 1947 at the rate of 1 New Ruble equal to 10 Gold Rubles. On January 1, 1961, the Hard Ruble (SUR) replaced the New Ruble at the rate of 1 Hard Ruble equal to 10 New Rubles. The State Treasury and the State Bank (Gosbank) issued banknotes for the Soviet Union.

After gaining its independence, Moldova replaced the Soviet Ruble with the Moldova Ruble (MDR) at par on May 23, 1991. The Moldova Leu Cupon (MDC) replaced the Moldava Ruble Cupon in June 1992. The Moldova Leu (MDL) replaced the Moldova Leu Cupon on November 29, 1993 at the rate of 1 Leu equal to 1000 Rubles. The Leu is divisible into 100 Bani, and is issued by the National Bank of Moldova.

In Transnistria, a partially recognized state claimed in whole by Moldova, the Transnistrian ruble is used instead.

Coins

Coins consist of 1, 5, 10, and 25 bani in aluminium and 50 bani in aluminium-bronze. Aluminium 50 bani, and nickel-plated-steel 1 and 5 leu coins were issued in 1993 but have been withdrawn from circulation.

Banknotes

There have been two series of Moldovan leu banknotes. The first series was short-lived and only included 1, 5, and 10 lei. The front of all of these notes—and all subsequent notes—feature a portrait of Ştefan cel Mare (Stephen the Great, also known as Stephen III of Moldavia), the prince of Moldavia from 1457 to 1504.

The first two lines of the Mioriţa (The Little Ewe) ballad appear on the back, printed vertically between the denomination numeral and the vignette of the fortress. The Mioriţa is an old Romanian pastoral ballad considered one of the most important pieces of Romanian folklore. The lines “Pe-un picior de plai, Pe-o gură de rai” translate as “Near a low foothill, at Heaven’s doorsill.”

MDL banknotes pictures gallery

1 Moldovan leu
Banknote of 1 Moldovan leu has dimensions 114×58 mm and main colors are light taupe, lemon chiffon, blond and flavescent. The banknote of 1 Moldovan leu was issued in September 2010.
Obverse side of the 1 Moldovan leu is showing the Coat of Arms of the Republic of Moldova, the inscription "REPUBLICA MOLDOVA", the portrait of Stephen III of Moldavia, a national multicolor ornament, two vertical decorative elements, the central rosette, the nominal value written in figures and words, the abbreviation "BNM", the facsimile " GUVERNATOR, D. Drăguţanu", the circle wording "PE-UN PICIOR DE PLAI, PE-O GURA DE RAI...", the banknote number and series.	Reverse side of the 1 Moldovan leu is showing the graphic image of Capriana Monastery within a frame and under it the inscription "MĂNĂSTIREA CĂPRIANA", the nominal value written in figures and words, two vertical decorative elements, the Coat of Arms of Ştefan cel Mare, the stylised images of the Trajan's Column, the Column of Infinity and between them a crescent.

1 Moldovan leu

Banknote of 1 Moldovan leu has dimensions 114×58 mm and main colors are light taupe, lemon chiffon, blond and flavescent. The banknote of 1 Moldovan leu was issued in September 2010.

Obverse side of the 1 Moldovan leu is showing the Coat of Arms of the Republic of Moldova, the inscription "REPUBLICA MOLDOVA", the portrait of Stephen III of Moldavia, a national multicolor ornament, two vertical decorative elements, the central rosette, the nominal value written in figures and words, the abbreviation "BNM", the facsimile " GUVERNATOR, D. Drăguţanu", the circle wording "PE-UN PICIOR DE PLAI, PE-O GURA DE RAI...", the banknote number and series.

Reverse side of the 1 Moldovan leu is showing the graphic image of Capriana Monastery within a frame and under it the inscription "MĂNĂSTIREA CĂPRIANA", the nominal value written in figures and words, two vertical decorative elements, the Coat of Arms of Ştefan cel Mare, the stylised images of the Trajan's Column, the Column of Infinity and between them a crescent.

5 Moldovan lei
Banknote of 5 Moldovan lei has dimensions 114×58 mm and main colors are moonstone blue, pale cerulean, light gray, periwinkle and isabelline. The banknote of 5 Moldovan lei was issued in April 1994.
Obverse side of the 5 Moldovan lei is showing the Coat of Arms of the Republic of Moldova, the inscription "REPUBLICA MOLDOVA", the portrait of Stephen III of Moldavia, a national multicolor ornament, two vertical decorative elements, the central rosette, the nominal value written in figures and words, the abbreviation "BNM", the facsimile " GUVERNATOR, L. Talmaci", the circle wording "PE-UN PICIOR DE PLAI, PE-O GURA DE RAI...", the banknote number and series.	Reverse side of the 5 Moldovan lei is showing the graphic image of Church of Saint Demetrius in Orhei within a frame and under it the inscription "BISERICA SF. DUMITRU DIN ORHEI", the nominal value written in figures and words, two vertical decorative elements, the Coat of Arms of Stephen the Great, the stylised images of the Trajan's Column, the Column of Infinity and between them a crescent.

5 Moldovan lei

Banknote of 5 Moldovan lei has dimensions 114×58 mm and main colors are moonstone blue, pale cerulean, light gray, periwinkle and isabelline. The banknote of 5 Moldovan lei was issued in April 1994.

Obverse side of the 5 Moldovan lei is showing the Coat of Arms of the Republic of Moldova, the inscription "REPUBLICA MOLDOVA", the portrait of Stephen III of Moldavia, a national multicolor ornament, two vertical decorative elements, the central rosette, the nominal value written in figures and words, the abbreviation "BNM", the facsimile " GUVERNATOR, L. Talmaci", the circle wording "PE-UN PICIOR DE PLAI, PE-O GURA DE RAI...", the banknote number and series.

Reverse side of the 5 Moldovan lei is showing the graphic image of Church of Saint Demetrius in Orhei within a frame and under it the inscription "BISERICA SF. DUMITRU DIN ORHEI", the nominal value written in figures and words, two vertical decorative elements, the Coat of Arms of Stephen the Great, the stylised images of the Trajan's Column, the Column of Infinity and between them a crescent.

10 Moldovan lei
Banknote of 10 Moldovan lei has dimensions 121×61 mm and main colors are tan, light coral, ruddy pink, timberwolf, tumbleweed and pale gold. The banknote of 10 Moldovan lei was issued in May 1994.
Obverse side of the 10 Moldovan lei is showing the Coat of Arms of the Republic of Moldova, the inscription "REPUBLICA MOLDOVA", the portrait of Stephen III of Moldavia, a national multicolor ornament, two vertical decorative elements, the central rosette, the nominal value written in figures and words, the abbreviation "BNM", the facsimile " GUVERNATOR, L. Talmaci", the circle wording "PE-UN PICIOR DE PLAI, PE-O GURA DE RAI...", the banknote number and series.	Reverse side of the 10 Moldovan lei is showing the graphic image of Monastery Hîrjauca within a frame and under it the inscription "MĂNĂSTIREA HÎRJAUCA", the nominal value written in figures and words, two vertical decorative elements, the Coat of Arms of Stephen III of Moldavia, the stylised images of the Trajan's Column, the Column of Infinity and between them a crescent.

10 Moldovan lei

Banknote of 10 Moldovan lei has dimensions 121×61 mm and main colors are tan, light coral, ruddy pink, timberwolf, tumbleweed and pale gold. The banknote of 10 Moldovan lei was issued in May 1994.

Obverse side of the 10 Moldovan lei is showing the Coat of Arms of the Republic of Moldova, the inscription "REPUBLICA MOLDOVA", the portrait of Stephen III of Moldavia, a national multicolor ornament, two vertical decorative elements, the central rosette, the nominal value written in figures and words, the abbreviation "BNM", the facsimile " GUVERNATOR, L. Talmaci", the circle wording "PE-UN PICIOR DE PLAI, PE-O GURA DE RAI...", the banknote number and series.

Reverse side of the 10 Moldovan lei is showing the graphic image of Monastery Hîrjauca within a frame and under it the inscription "MĂNĂSTIREA HÎRJAUCA", the nominal value written in figures and words, two vertical decorative elements, the Coat of Arms of Stephen III of Moldavia, the stylised images of the Trajan's Column, the Column of Infinity and between them a crescent.

20 Moldovan lei
Banknote of 20 Moldovan lei has dimensions 121×61 mm and main colors are aurometalsaurus, viridian, tea green, pale goldenrod, mint cream, pearl and light yellow. The banknote of 20 Moldovan lei was issued in September 2010.
Obverse side of the 20 Moldovan lei is showing the Coat of Arms of the Republic of Moldova, the inscription "REPUBLICA MOLDOVA", the portrait of Stephen III of Moldavia, a national multicolor ornament, two vertical decorative elements, the central rosette, the nominal value written in figures and words, the abbreviation "BNM", the facsimile " GUVERNATOR, D. Drăguţanu", the circle wording "PE-UN PICIOR DE PLAI, PE-O GURA DE RAI...", the banknote number and series.	Reverse side of the 20 Moldovan lei is showing the graphic image of Soroca Fortress within a frame and under it the inscription "CETATEA SOROCA", the nominal value written in figures and words, two vertical decorative elements, the Coat of Arms of Stephen III of Moldavia, the stylised images of the Trajan's Column, the Column of Infinity and between them a crescent.

20 Moldovan lei

Banknote of 20 Moldovan lei has dimensions 121×61 mm and main colors are aurometalsaurus, viridian, tea green, pale goldenrod, mint cream, pearl and light yellow. The banknote of 20 Moldovan lei was issued in September 2010.

Obverse side of the 20 Moldovan lei is showing the Coat of Arms of the Republic of Moldova, the inscription "REPUBLICA MOLDOVA", the portrait of Stephen III of Moldavia, a national multicolor ornament, two vertical decorative elements, the central rosette, the nominal value written in figures and words, the abbreviation "BNM", the facsimile " GUVERNATOR, D. Drăguţanu", the circle wording "PE-UN PICIOR DE PLAI, PE-O GURA DE RAI...", the banknote number and series.

Reverse side of the 20 Moldovan lei is showing the graphic image of Soroca Fortress within a frame and under it the inscription "CETATEA SOROCA", the nominal value written in figures and words, two vertical decorative elements, the Coat of Arms of Stephen III of Moldavia, the stylised images of the Trajan's Column, the Column of Infinity and between them a crescent.

50 Moldovan lei
Banknote of 50 Moldovan lei has dimensions 121×61 mm and main colors are puce, lilac, gainsboro, thistle, pale silver and turkish rose. The banknote of 50 Moldovan lei was issued in May 1994.
Obverse side of the 50 Moldovan lei is showing the Coat of Arms of the Republic of Moldova, the inscription "REPUBLICA MOLDOVA", the portrait of Stephen III of Moldavia, a national multicolor ornament, two vertical decorative elements, the central rosette, the nominal value written in figures and words, the abbreviation "BNM", the facsimile " GUVERNATOR, L. Talmaci", the circle wording "PE-UN PICIOR DE PLAI, PE-O GURA DE RAI...", the banknote number and series.	Reverse side of the 50 Moldovan lei is showing the graphic image of Monastery Hîrbovăţ within a frame and under it the inscription "MĂNĂSTIREA HÎRBOVĂŢ", the nominal value written in figures and words, two vertical decorative elements, the Coat of Arms of Stephen III of Moldavia, the stylised images of the Trajan's Column, the Column of Infinity and between them a crescent.

50 Moldovan lei

Banknote of 50 Moldovan lei has dimensions 121×61 mm and main colors are puce, lilac, gainsboro, thistle, pale silver and turkish rose. The banknote of 50 Moldovan lei was issued in May 1994.

Obverse side of the 50 Moldovan lei is showing the Coat of Arms of the Republic of Moldova, the inscription "REPUBLICA MOLDOVA", the portrait of Stephen III of Moldavia, a national multicolor ornament, two vertical decorative elements, the central rosette, the nominal value written in figures and words, the abbreviation "BNM", the facsimile " GUVERNATOR, L. Talmaci", the circle wording "PE-UN PICIOR DE PLAI, PE-O GURA DE RAI...", the banknote number and series.

Reverse side of the 50 Moldovan lei is showing the graphic image of Monastery Hîrbovăţ within a frame and under it the inscription "MĂNĂSTIREA HÎRBOVĂŢ", the nominal value written in figures and words, two vertical decorative elements, the Coat of Arms of Stephen III of Moldavia, the stylised images of the Trajan's Column, the Column of Infinity and between them a crescent.

100 Moldovan lei
Banknote of 100 Moldovan lei has dimensions 121×61 mm and main colors are raw umber, sand, khaki, isabelline and tan. The banknote of 100 Moldovan lei was issued in September 1995.
Obverse side of the 100 Moldovan lei is showing the Coat of Arms of the Republic of Moldova, the inscription "REPUBLICA MOLDOVA", the portrait of Stephen III of Moldavia, a national multicolor ornament, two vertical decorative elements, the central rosette, the nominal value written in figures and words, the abbreviation "BNM", the facsimile " GUVERNATOR, L. Talmaci", the circle wording "PE-UN PICIOR DE PLAI, PE-O GURA DE RAI...", the banknote number and series.	Reverse side of the 100 Moldovan lei is showing the graphic image of Tighina Fortress within a frame and under it the inscription "CETATEA TIGHINA", the nominal value written in figures and words, two vertical decorative elements, the Coat of Arms of Stephen III of Moldavia, the stylised images of the Trajan's Column, the Column of Infinity and between them a crescent.

100 Moldovan lei

Banknote of 100 Moldovan lei has dimensions 121×61 mm and main colors are raw umber, sand, khaki, isabelline and tan. The banknote of 100 Moldovan lei was issued in September 1995.

Obverse side of the 100 Moldovan lei is showing the Coat of Arms of the Republic of Moldova, the inscription "REPUBLICA MOLDOVA", the portrait of Stephen III of Moldavia, a national multicolor ornament, two vertical decorative elements, the central rosette, the nominal value written in figures and words, the abbreviation "BNM", the facsimile " GUVERNATOR, L. Talmaci", the circle wording "PE-UN PICIOR DE PLAI, PE-O GURA DE RAI...", the banknote number and series.

Reverse side of the 100 Moldovan lei is showing the graphic image of Tighina Fortress within a frame and under it the inscription "CETATEA TIGHINA", the nominal value written in figures and words, two vertical decorative elements, the Coat of Arms of Stephen III of Moldavia, the stylised images of the Trajan's Column, the Column of Infinity and between them a crescent.

200 Moldovan lei
Banknote of 200 Moldovan lei has dimensions 133×66 mm and main colors are tea rose, tumbleweed, mountbatten pink and pale silver. The banknote of 200 Moldovan lei was issued in September 1995.
Obverse side of the 200 Moldovan lei is showing the Coat of Arms of the Republic of Moldova, the inscription "REPUBLICA MOLDOVA", the portrait of Stephen III of Moldavia, a national multicolor ornament, two vertical decorative elements, the central rosette, the nominal value written in figures and words, the abbreviation "BNM", the facsimile " GUVERNATOR, L. Talmaci", the circle wording "PE-UN PICIOR DE PLAI, PE-O GURA DE RAI...", the banknote number and series.	Reverse side of the 200 Moldovan lei is showing the graphic image of Chişinău Mayoralty within a frame and under it the inscription "Primaria Municipiului Chişinău", the nominal value written in figures and words, two vertical decorative elements, the Coat of Arms of Stephen III of Moldavia, the stylised images of the Trajan's Column, the Column of Infinity and between them a crescent.

200 Moldovan lei

Banknote of 200 Moldovan lei has dimensions 133×66 mm and main colors are tea rose, tumbleweed, mountbatten pink and pale silver. The banknote of 200 Moldovan lei was issued in September 1995.

Obverse side of the 200 Moldovan lei is showing the Coat of Arms of the Republic of Moldova, the inscription "REPUBLICA MOLDOVA", the portrait of Stephen III of Moldavia, a national multicolor ornament, two vertical decorative elements, the central rosette, the nominal value written in figures and words, the abbreviation "BNM", the facsimile " GUVERNATOR, L. Talmaci", the circle wording "PE-UN PICIOR DE PLAI, PE-O GURA DE RAI...", the banknote number and series.

Reverse side of the 200 Moldovan lei is showing the graphic image of Chişinău Mayoralty within a frame and under it the inscription "Primaria Municipiului Chişinău", the nominal value written in figures and words, two vertical decorative elements, the Coat of Arms of Stephen III of Moldavia, the stylised images of the Trajan's Column, the Column of Infinity and between them a crescent.

500 Moldovan lei
Banknote of 500 Moldovan lei has dimensions 133×66 mm and main colors are dark gray, khaki, bisque, pale gold, white smoke and snow. The banknote of 500 Moldovan lei was issued in September 1995.
Obverse side of the 500 Moldovan lei is showing the Coat of Arms of the Republic of Moldova, the inscription "REPUBLICA MOLDOVA", the portrait of Stephen III of Moldavia, a national multicolor ornament, two vertical decorative elements, the central rosette, the nominal value written in figures and words, the abbreviation "BNM", the facsimile " GUVERNATOR, L. Talmaci", the circle wording "PE-UN PICIOR DE PLAI, PE-O GURA DE RAI...", the banknote number and series.	Reverse side of the 500 Moldovan lei is showing the graphic image of the Cathedral of Christ's Nativity within a frame and under it the inscription "Chişinău. Catedrala", the nominal value written in figures and words, two vertical decorative elements, the Coat of Arms of Stephen III of Moldavia, the stylised images of the Trajan's Column, the Column of Infinity and between them a crescent.

500 Moldovan lei

Banknote of 500 Moldovan lei has dimensions 133×66 mm and main colors are dark gray, khaki, bisque, pale gold, white smoke and snow. The banknote of 500 Moldovan lei was issued in September 1995.

Obverse side of the 500 Moldovan lei is showing the Coat of Arms of the Republic of Moldova, the inscription "REPUBLICA MOLDOVA", the portrait of Stephen III of Moldavia, a national multicolor ornament, two vertical decorative elements, the central rosette, the nominal value written in figures and words, the abbreviation "BNM", the facsimile " GUVERNATOR, L. Talmaci", the circle wording "PE-UN PICIOR DE PLAI, PE-O GURA DE RAI...", the banknote number and series.

Reverse side of the 500 Moldovan lei is showing the graphic image of the Cathedral of Christ's Nativity within a frame and under it the inscription "Chişinău. Catedrala", the nominal value written in figures and words, two vertical decorative elements, the Coat of Arms of Stephen III of Moldavia, the stylised images of the Trajan's Column, the Column of Infinity and between them a crescent.

1000 Moldovan lei
Banknote of 1000 Moldovan lei has dimensions 133×66 mm and main colors are dark pastel blue, wild blue yonder, ceil, lavender mist and anti-flash white. The banknote of 1000 Moldovan lei was issued in September 1995.
Obverse side of the 1000 Moldovan lei is showing the Coat of Arms of the Republic of Moldova, the inscription "REPUBLICA MOLDOVA", the portrait of Stephen III of Moldavia, a national multicolor ornament, two vertical decorative elements, the central rosette, the nominal value written in figures and words, the abbreviation "BNM", the facsimile " GUVERNATOR, L. Talmaci", the circle wording "PE-UN PICIOR DE PLAI, PE-O GURA DE RAI...", the banknote number and series.	Reverse side of the 1000 Moldovan lei is showing the graphic image of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova within a frame and under it the inscription "Parlamentul Republicii Moldova", the nominal value written in figures and words, two vertical decorative elements, the Coat of Arms of Stephen III of Moldavia, the stylised images of the Trajan's Column, the Column of Infinity and between them a crescent.

1000 Moldovan lei

Banknote of 1000 Moldovan lei has dimensions 133×66 mm and main colors are dark pastel blue, wild blue yonder, ceil, lavender mist and anti-flash white. The banknote of 1000 Moldovan lei was issued in September 1995.

Obverse side of the 1000 Moldovan lei is showing the Coat of Arms of the Republic of Moldova, the inscription "REPUBLICA MOLDOVA", the portrait of Stephen III of Moldavia, a national multicolor ornament, two vertical decorative elements, the central rosette, the nominal value written in figures and words, the abbreviation "BNM", the facsimile " GUVERNATOR, L. Talmaci", the circle wording "PE-UN PICIOR DE PLAI, PE-O GURA DE RAI...", the banknote number and series.

Reverse side of the 1000 Moldovan lei is showing the graphic image of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova within a frame and under it the inscription "Parlamentul Republicii Moldova", the nominal value written in figures and words, two vertical decorative elements, the Coat of Arms of Stephen III of Moldavia, the stylised images of the Trajan's Column, the Column of Infinity and between them a crescent.

Useful links

About National Bank of Moldova:: National Bank of Moldova
List of currencies:: Currencies
Security and design features of MDL banknotes:: MDL banknotes
MDL currency on Wikipedia:: Moldovan leu
Official Website of National Bank of Moldova:: www.bnm.md
Commemorative coins:: Commemorative Coins

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