Currency of Moldova: history, appearance, course

Not everyone knows what currency is in Moldova. Today it is Moldavian lei. The name came from the appearance of the Dutch coin, which was in circulation in the country in the 17th century. It depicted a lion.

Own currency of Moldova appeared only in 1993. And many of the previous years of the country's existence, there were "foreign" money in it.

History of the introduction of modern currency

Until Moldova became an independent republic, its territory did not have its own monetary unit. While it was the Moldavian principality, people were calculated by zloty, florins and ducats. In the 19th century the territory of Moldova became part of the Russian Empire. Therefore, the Russian ruble was introduced here. As soon as the territory of the country was occupied by the Romanians, the Romanian leu entered into use. During the Soviet occupation in the course was the Soviet ruble.

As soon as Moldova was declared independent, the government introduced a national currency. It was temporary and was called a Moldovan coupon. Only in 1993 the Moldovan leu became the official currency. Coupons still went to the country, but were gradually withdrawn from circulation. The exchange took place in the proportion of 1 to 1000.

Exchange rate

Today, with the exchange of 1 Moldovan lei, you can get about 3 Russian rubles. Undoubtedly, the daily exchange rate in Moldova is adjusted by the National Bank. But on the average the following picture turns out:

• 1 US dollar is about 12.5 lei;
• 1 euro is about 16 lei;
• Ukrainian hryvnia - about 1.6 lei.

Exchange currency in Moldova to all guests and tourists is recommended only at official exchange offices. It is better if he is at the bank. In any city in the country, they are quite enough. You do not need to exchange from private individuals. The probability of fraud in this case is very high. Transnistria is a unique region. You do not even need to change money for tourists. In everyday life here, not only Moldovan lei, but also dollars, rubles, euros, even hryvnia.

The Moldovan leu is exactly 100 bani (Moldavian coins, which are now in use). The word "bath" goes back to the ancient name of the small coin, which was once started to be made in Wallachia.

Banknotes and coins

Today, the currency of Moldova (Lei) is represented by banknotes in nominal value:

• One.
• Five.
• Ten.
• Twenty.
• Fifty.
• Hundred.
• Two hundred.
• Five hundred.
• One thousand.

Along with paper money, the National Bank issues coins:

• 1 bath.
• 5 baths.
• 10 baths.
• 25 baths.
• 50 baths.
• 1 leu.
• 5 lei.

The currency of Moldova is not very original in its design. Thus, all the banknotes depict the King of the Moldavian Principality, Stefan III. He ruled the state for as long as 47 years. During this time, Moldova remained independent. On the reverse side of the banknotes you can see the main architectural monuments of the country: temples, fortresses, administrative buildings, monasteries.

Moldovan coins also do not shine with their diversity in design design. On the obverse you can see the face value of the coin, which is surrounded by oak leaves. And the year of issue was signed at the bottom. The reverse depicts the arms of the country.

Earlier, the currency of Moldova was printed in Romania, in the factories of securities. Today, the country has its own National Mint, which is located in the city of Chisinau.