Currency of Moldova: history, appearance, exchange rate

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

Not everyone knows what currency is in Moldova. Today it is the Moldovan leu. The name comes from the appearance of a Dutch coin that was in circulation in the country in the 17th century. It featured a lion.

Moldova's own currency appeared only in 1993. And for many previous years of the country's existence, “foreign” money went in it.

The history of the introduction of modern currency

Before Moldova became an independent republic, there was no own currency on its territory. While it was a Moldavian principality, people settled in zlotys, 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 came into use. During the Soviet occupation, the Soviet ruble was used.

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 At the same time, coupons were still in circulation in the country, but were gradually withdrawn from circulation.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

Exchange rate

Today, when exchanging 1 MDL, you can get about 3 Russian rubles. Of course, the exchange rate in Moldova is adjusted daily by the National Bank. But on average, the following picture is obtained:

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

It is recommended to all guests and tourists to exchange currency in Moldova only at official exchange offices. Better if he is at the bank. In any city in the country there are enough of them. No need to make an exchange with individuals. The probability of fraud in this case is very high. Pridnestrovie is a unique region. Tourists do not even need to change money here. In everyday life, not only the Moldovan leu is used here, but also dollars, rubles, euros, even hryvnias.

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

Banknotes and coins

Today, the currency of Moldova (leu) is represented by banknotes with a denomination:

• One.
• Five.
• Ten.
• Twenty.
• Fifty.
• One 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 bani.
• 1 lei.
• 5 lei.

The currency of Moldova is not too originalby your design. So, on all banknotes the king of the Moldavian Principality, Stefan III is depicted. He ruled the state for 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.

The coins of Moldova also do not shine with their diversity in design. On the obverse, you can see the denomination of the coin, which is surrounded by oak leaves. The year of manufacture is signed at the bottom. The reverse shows the coat of arms of the country.

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