...Romania - 100 Lei 2024 Polymer Commemorative 185th Anniversary Of The Birth Of King Carol I Folder

România

(Romania)

 

Banca Națională a României 

(National Bank of Romania, Est.1880)

Currency - Leu (RON)

 

This is one good thing about European Union members that are yet to adopt the European common currency - the Euro, for whatever reasons or restrictions they may be encountering. Since the issue of the Euro currency by The European Central Bank in 2002, the central bank has never issued any commemorative banknote, and this allows countries like Romania (and Poland too) to issue commemorative notes as and when it sees fit. And right now, it seems that Poland is the only EU member that has been non-stop producing commemorative banknotes on an annual basis - Go Polska!

This is the fourth commemorative note issued by Romania since becoming an EU member in 2007. This note is printed on a polymer substrate and issued in a folder with an envelope. Like those three previous issues, this 100 lei commemorative note is also issued as a numismatic product in limited edition and sold at a premium. A total of 30,000 sets in folders were released on 02.12.2024, at a price of 150 lei per set plus tax. In my opinion, 30,000 sets is quite a lot and should be sufficient to meet overseas demands as well.

 

This note celebrates King Carol I's 185th birthday 1839-2024. Romania became a republic since the last King of Romania, King Michael I (b.1921-2017) was forced to abdicate by the occupying Russian forces during the end of the Second World War. The country then went on and was ruled by the communist regime until the Romanian revolution in 1989 when the President of Romania, Nicolae Ceausescu (b.1918-1989) was captured by the army and executed. He died (together with his wife Elena Ceausescu b, 1916-1989) on Christmas day in 1989 by a firing squad after a quick trial conducted by the National Salvation Front (the provisional government during the revolution). Since then Romania has been governed by a unitary semi-presidential republic system. However, despite being a republic, it seems that many of the citizens are still very much fond of their past monarchs and talks were mentioned in the past whether to have a referendum to see if they want to bring them back as King/Queen. Perhaps this commemorative note and the one issued in 2018 would give you some ideas of what they are thinking right now, as I do not see any good reasons for issuing such commemorative banknotes, apart from generating income for the bank. I am sure the government would have also considered the current positive public sentiment regarding the monarchy.

One Hundred Lei

 

Governor - Mugur Constantin Isarescu

Chief Cashier - Ionel Nitu

Date - 1 decembrie 2024 (01.12.2024)

Issue Price - 150 lei plus tax

Dimensions - 147mm x 82mm

Front - The image of King Carol I. King Carol I or Charles I of Romania was born in 1839 and died in 1914, aged 75. He was the first King of Romania and he ascended to the Romanian throne on 15.03.1881 until his death in 1914. He was succeeded by his nephew Ferdinand I (b.1865-1927). In the middle is the Order of the Star of Romania, which is a decoration which was awarded to anyone that is recognised for his/her meritorious service to the country. This award was introduced by Carol I in 1877 when he was a Prince. At that time, this was the highest civil order and second highest state award. In 1940, this decoration award was then abolished by King Michael I of Romania and replaced by the Order of St George. The Star of Romania was then reintroduced in 1998 and since then is awarded by the President of Romania. In the background is a battle scene of the War of Independence. The War of Independence was referred to as the Russia-Turkish War which was fought from 1877 to 1878. Romania was fighting on the Russian side against Turkey and gained independence from the Ottoman Empire.

 

Back - In the middle is the statue of King Carol I. To the left is the image of Peles Castle. I believe Carol I's statue is situated in the garden in front of Peles Castle. The construction for Peles Castle was ordered by King Carol I in 1873 and was not finished until 1914. It is not sure if this castle was completed before or after the death of the King. This castle is located near Sinaia (central Romania), about 120 kilometers north of Bucharest, the capital city of Romania. 

Folder Front Cover 210mm x 148mm

...Moldova - 1992 and 1993 Cupon (Coupon) Series Full Set

Republica Moldova

Republic of Moldova

 

Banca Națională a Moldovei

(National Bank of Moldova, Est. 1991)

Currency - Leu (MDL)

It always gives me enormous satisfaction when I manage to get a full set of banknotes even though they are not that expensive, and especially these were issued more than 30+ years ago.

Below is a full set of four notes issued by the National Bank of Moldova. These Cupon notes were released in stages and are dated 1992 (50 and 200 cupon) and 1993 (1000 and 5000 cupon). I understand that these are the first series of notes issued by the central bank since the bank was established in 1991, following the breaking up of the Soviet Union empire. Moldova achieved independence from the Soviet Union on 27.08.1991.

In general, these notes are printed with minimum security features. Apart from the watermarks on the notes, these notes are not printed with any security threads, or any other common security features that would have been available in the early 90s. Even the text anti counterfeiting message is a bit confusing as the two letters 'i' and 'l' look alike. I suppose these notes were done as a temporary measure and also in a hurry to meet the demand following the breakup of the Soviet Union and Moldova becoming an independent nation in 1991. As these were issued as a temporary currency, it would be fair to say that the government did not spend extra on the manufacturing of these notes. These Cupon notes were issued to replace the Soviet ruble at par. In 1992 regular Leu series (first released 20.09.1993) were introduced at a rate of 1 leu = 1,000 cupon, thus replacing these four copon notes. 

I personally find the denominations printed is a bit strange as it included the value of 50 and 200 but not the 100 or 500 cupon. Perhaps this may have something to do with the country's high inflation back then when the country experienced a price rise from 20% to 60% due to it's market economy policy introduced in 1992. You must be wondering why I bother to buy these four notes, given the none attractiveness or dule designs. My reason is simple. This is history and having this full set is like having a piece of history of Moldova. It may not be worth a lot now or even in the future, but it is good to know a bit of the history (currency wise) of this country following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. I believe I may have paid a bit too much for this set.

These Cupon currencies were withdrawn from circulation on 29.11.1993. I am not sure if they are still redeemable from the central bank but if you have them in uncirculated condition, then it is worth more than the redeemable value. 

Fifty Cupon

Signature - N/A

Dated - 1992 (released 22.07.1992)

Watermarks - Diamond shape pattern

Dimensions - 121mm x 59mm

The designs for all four notes are the same, except for the face values, colours and sizes.

On the from, the notes are all printed with:

- Moldova Coat of Arms;

- The name of the central bank - Banca Nationala A Moldovei;

- The face value in Cupon; and

- Falsificarea ocestor bilete se pedepseste confom legilor (counterfeiting these banknotes is punishable by law).

On the back, they are all printed with the image of Soroca castle (fort). The castle was first built in 1499 by Stephen the Great. As it is called, this castle is located in the town of Soroca in the north-east of the country, not far from the Ukraine border. The castle was originally constructed in timber and between 1543 to 1546, it was then rebuilt with stones. The castle was originally used for military purposes and today it is a main tourist attraction in the town.

On the back of the notes there are no texts or alphabets printed, except for the numeral denomination values.

Two Hundred Cupon

Dated 1992

 

Signature - N/A

Dated - 1992 (released 10.06.1992)

Watermarks - Diamond shape pattern

Dimensions - 120mm x 58mm

 

Soroca castle

One Thousand Cupon

Dated 1993

 

Signature - N/A

Dated - 1992 (released 16.03.1993)

Watermarks - Diamond shape pattern

Dimensions - 144mm x 59mm

Soroca castle

Five Thousand Cupon

Dated 1993

 

Signature - N/A

Dated - 1992 (released 01.09.1993)

Watermarks - Diamond shape pattern

Dimensions - 146mm x 58.5mm

Soroca castle

...Czech Republic - 100 and 200 Koruna 2018 Reprints

Ceska Republika

(The Czech Republic)

Ceska Narodni Banka

(Czech National Bank - ČNB)

Currency - Koruna (CZK)

 

These are the only two notes I have from the 1997-2018 series. The two notes posted here are the 100 and 200 koruna, both printed with the year date of 2018. The 100 koruna was first introduced in 1997, whilst the 200 koruna was introduced the following year. Despite being a member of the European Union since 2004, the Czech Republic has not adopted the Euro common currency yet. Out of the 27 EU members, seven nations have yet to adopt the Euro common currency. Until they all do, this can be seen as a weakness among the 27 members.

I believe these are the only two notes issued with the year date of 2018, and based on the reprints since it was introduced, these are the two most commonly circulating notes in the country. This is the 7th print for the 100 koruna and the 6th for the 200 koruna since they were first introduced in 1997 and 1998 respectively.

 

One Hundred Koruna

 Front - The note features the effigy of Karel IV (Charles IV 1316-1378). Karel IV was the King of Bohemia and King of the Romans (1346-1378); and Holy Roman Emperor, King of Italy from 1355 until his death in 1378.

 

 

Governor - Jiri Rusnok (01.06.2016 - 2022)

Watermarks - Karel IV (Charles IV 1316-1378) and electrotype 100

Dimensions - 141mm x 69.5mm

Back - The Seal of Charles University in Prague. Charles University was established in 1347 and was opened in 1349. Charles University ranks the best university in the Czech Republic. In case you wonder, the late socialite and entrepreneur Ivana Trump (nee Zelnickova b.1949-2022) graduated from this university with a Master degree in physical education.

 

Two Hundred Koruna

Front - John Amos Comenius (b.1592-1670), a philosopher, pedagogue and theologian. He is considered the father of modern education in the Czech Republic.

 

 

Governor - Jiri Rusnok (01.06.2016 - 2022)

Watermarks - John Amos Comenius and electrotype 200

Dimensions - 147.5mm x 70.5mm

Back - The children's book of Orbis Pictus, first published in 1658 by John Amos Comenius. Image of joined hands of an adult and a child.

...Transnistria - 1 Ruble Commemorative 30th anniversary of the Pridnestrovian Ruble 1994-2024

Република Молдовеняскэ Нистрянэ

Приднестровская Молдавская Республика

(Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic)

 

Transnistrian Republican Bank (Est.1992)

Currency : Ruble (RUP)

 

This is a never ending story.....

 

Here is another commemorative numismatic banknote, reportedly released on 15.08.2024, for the celebration of the territory's 30th anniversary of the Pridnestrovian Ruble currency 1994-2024. The Transnistria ruble is divided into 100 kopecks. 

 

This never ending story continues. This is the 27th* commemorative banknote issued since 1994. On average, Transnistria has issued 0.90 banknote per year since 1994 or 1.8 notes since the first commemorative note of 2009 was issued. I do not believe any other country would have matched or better this wonderful record over the past 30 years for issuing so many commemorative banknotes. The disappointing part is that out of the 27 commemorative notes issued, only one commemorative note has a new design. The rest of the 26 notes issued came from existing circulating notes with added commemorative text or logos over the watermarks area. Whilst the commemorative notes design are almost all the same, the bulk of such issues are limited edition with quantity printed from 1500 to 2500 sets - 7,070 sets for the 2015; 70 Years of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War (World War Two). 

Note * - another one (28th) released after this note.

 

The official name of Transnistria currency in English is 'Pridnestrovian Ruble'. The design for this 1 ruble commemorative note is the same as the current circulating note but is printed with the commemorative logo on the watermark area on the right hand side of the note. This note was first issued in 2007 and then upgraded (reprint) in 2012.

 

Like those previous commemorative notes issued, this is a limited edition with a total of 1,500 printed and 1,490 sets sold in a simple folder at a premium. It is not sure what the bank will do with the remaining 10 individual pieces, or whether they are retained for their archives.

The Transnistria ruble was first introduced in 1994. Transnistria was formed in 1990 following the breakup of the Soviet Union. Transnistria continued to use the Soviet Union rubles in 1990 as their own currency. In 1992, Russia began to introduce its own currency, and this led to Transnistria flooded with the obsolete Russian rubles, and in order to protect its own financial system, it introduced it's own ruble currency in 1994. Because Transnistria is not a recognised nation, their currency is not negotiable outside its territory. Internationally, Transnistria is recognised as part of the Republic of Moldova.

One Ruble

 

Signature - N/A

Series - 2007/2012

Watermark - Alexander Vassilyevich Suvorov and electrotype ПРБ

Dimensions - 130mm x 56.5mm

 

Front - A portrait of the Russian General Alexander Vassilyevich Suvorov (b.1730-1800) in military uniform. General Suvorav was a Russian born military hero holding the rank of Field Marshal Generalissimo. He was born in Moscow and joined the army at the age of 17 and was promoted to the rank of colonel when he was 32 years old. By 1787, he was then promoted to the rank of General. During his lifetime, he was involved in at least 57 battles/wars with the majority of these conflicts ending in victory in his favour. He died at the age of 70 years old and was buried in the city of St Petersburg. He was the fourth Generalissimo of Russia. 

 

To the right-hand side where the watermark area is, the commemorative Bank of Pridnestrovie logo is added to the design with the following text printed in red below: 

 

30 ЛЕТ ПРИДНЕСТРОВСКОМУ РУБЛЮ

(30 Years Of The Pridnestrovian Ruble)

 

 

Back - Kitskansk Bridgehead memorial or Chiţcani monument in Chitcani. This monument was built in 1972 (opened 09.05.1972) to commemorate victory against the German invasion during the Second World War in 1944. Chitcani is situated north of Tiraspol, the capital city of Transnistria.

 

2009 - 15 Years of National Currency;

2014 - 20 Years of National Currency, 2020 sets (4 notes);

2015 - 70 Years of Victory in the Great Patriotic War (WWll), 7070 sets, 2000 sets in folders (2 notes);

2015 - 25 Years of Transnistria Republic, 2525 sets, 2000 sets in folders (4 notes);

2017 - 100 Years of the Great October Socialist Revolution, 5,000 sets, 2017 sets in folders (2 notes);

2017 - 100 Year of KGB/State Security Bodies, 2500 sets in folders;

2017 - 100 Years of Police Force, 2500 sets in folders;

2018 - 100 Years of Border Troops, 2500 sets, 1000 sets in folder;

2018 - 100 Years of Armed Force/State Police, 2500 sets, 1000 sets in folders (Text - 27 Yrs of the Armed Forces of the PMR);

2019 - 30 Years of Soviet Troops withdrawing from Afghanistan, 1500 sets in folders;

2019 - 75th Anniversary Years of Liberation from Nazi Invaders, 1500 sets in folders;

2019 - 75th Anniversary of Jassy-Kishinev Operation, 1500 sets in folders;

2019 - 25 Years of National Currency, 200000 pieces, 2500 sets in folders (2 notes);

2020 - 75 Years of End of World War ll (1945-2020), 2500 sets in folders;

2020 - 30th Year of Formation of Transdniestr, 2510 sets, 2500 sets in folders;

2021 - 30th Anniversary of the First PMR bank, 2510 sets, 2500 sets in folders issued;

2021 - 30th Anniversary of the PMR Financial System, 2510 sets, 2500 sets in folders;

2023 - 100th Year of the 2023 - 100th Year of Gold Chervonets, 2500 sets, 2490 sets in folders;

2024 - 30th Anniversary of the Pridnestrovian Ruble, 1,500 sets, 1,490 sets in folders;

 

...Czech Republic - 100, 500 And 1000 Koruna Provisional Issues 1993 with Adhesive Stamps

Ceska Republika

(The Czech Republic)

Ceska Narodni Banka

(Czech National Bank - ČNB)

Currency - Koruna (CZK)

 

Posted below are three notes of 100, 500 and 1000 koruna all originally printed and issued between 1961 and 1985 during the union of Czechoslovakia. The three banknotes that I have posted here all have an adhesive stamp on the top left corner of the note and are considered as the first three notes issued by the Czech Republic following the breakout that split Czechoslovakia into two nations in 1993.

The dissolution of Czechoslovakia took place on 31.12.1992 when the country split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia. To the locals, this separation is also known as Velvet Divorce, just like the 1989 Velvet Revolution (a.k.a. Gentle Revolution) which ended the country's one-party communist rule. 

 

I believe the discussion for separation by politicians first started in early 1992, despite opinion polls on both sides were in favor of the union to be continued.

 

Following the separation, the old Czechoslovakia koruna continues to be used in both countries, however, the new Czech government was worried that this may cause some forms of economic losses and on 02.02.1993, the government passed a new law to have new banknotes to be issued for the Czech Republic. As a temporary measure until new notes have been printed and issued, the government decided to introduce existing and previously issued Czechoslovakia notes but with an adhesive stamp over them. The three notes below were then released on 08.02.1993 as provisional banknotes until new currency is issued.

 

Whilst we all think that this decision was made after the separation occurred, it was reported that the Czech authority had earlier secretly prepared and printed the adhesive stamps for this purpose well before the separation came into effect. Only three notes were issued with the adhesive stamps but not for other lower denominations. Each stamp is printed with four small Roman letters on all 4 corners and an Arabic numeral in the center identifying the denomination of the banknotes to which it is then affixed to the note - C and 100, D and 500 and M and 1000. Obviously, the Roman numerals represent the value for each note. When these provisional banknotes were issued, each person was allowed to exchange up to 4,000 koruna in value and 1,000 koruna for those 15 years old or below. In 1993, new banknotes with new designs were issued and these three provisional issued notes affixed with adhesive stamps were then withdrawn from circulation on 31.08.1993 and ceased legal tender on 31.05.1994.

 

I am not sure why these three notes were selected for this exercise. I can understand that the government may not want to select notes that have images that are associated with the last communist regime. Given the short notice, the authority may also have to consider the availability of banknotes in stock to cater for public demand. I can understand the selection for the 100 and 1000 koruna notes. but not sure why they selected the 500 koruna note dated 1973. I wonder if the design on the front for the two soldiers are Czech/Slovaks or Russians. It should be noted that since 1951, this is the only 500 koruna note ever printed.

One Hundred Koruna

 

Signature - NA

Watermark - Repeated pattern of stars inside of the leaves

Date - 1961

Dimensions - 165mm x 79mm

Front - A couple of farmers with the woman holding a sheaf of wheat under her left arm. In the center is an Atomic symbol, and below that is a view of a factory and power station with smoke coming out of the two chimneys. For this note, there are a few variations mainly on the watermarks and different adhesive stamps used and different prefixes.

 

Back - A view of Charles Bridge across the Vltava river in Prague. This is a 516 meters long medieval stone arch bridge which was first constructed in 1357 during the reign of King Charles IV. The bridge was originally known as Stone or Prague bridge and since 1870, it has been known as Charles bridge.The design on this note (both front and back) are just beautiful. The note is simple and not overly designed with features, and looking at the back of the notes is like looking at a photo of the bridge in black and white colours. Modern notes are not designed like this anymore due to counterfeiting. This is just my opinion as beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. If you have this in a bigger size, you can hang it up in your living room.

Five Hundred Koruna

 

Signature - NA

Watermark - Stars and leaves

Date - 1973

Dimensions - 153mm x 68mm

Front - Two soldiers both carrying Russian made sub-machine guns PPSh-41. This sub-machine gun was first put into service in 1941 and was intensively used during the last great war as well as the Korean war. To the right are Partisans of the SNP 1944 (Slovak National Uprising). These partisans were formed in 1944 to resist the German's invasion of Slovakia but failed as it only lasted for two months from August to October 1944. Above that is the view of a castle on a hill.

 

Back - The main design for this note is the image of the ruins of Devin Castle, which is located in the city of Bratislava, the capital city of Slovakia. This castle was built around 864 AD. To the bottom left is a medieval shield.

One Thousand Koruna

 

Signature - NA

Watermark - Stars and leaves

Date - 1985

Dimensions - 159mm x 68mm

 

Front - An image of Bedrich Smetana (b.1824-1884) who was a Czech composer. He is widely regarded as the father of Czech music. Flower in the center with the Coat of Arms over it.

 

Back - View of Vltava river with Vysehrad on top of a cliff. Vysehrad is a historical fort in Prague. This fort was built in the 10th century. The Vltava river is the longest river in the Czech Republic.

Collecting this series tends to give me some form of understanding and satisfaction about why banknotes are issued and because of this, I bought this set without hesitation. Getting this set is like getting a piece of the history of the Czech Republic. Instead of overprinting these with text to identify them as new series, the bank decided to place adhesive stamps over it instead. I am not sure why or which one is cheaper or more secure against counterfeiting. This exercise was not against inflationary measures but more of protecting the country's economy. I wonder if there are any pros and cons between the text over print versus adhesive stamp?