Kingdom of Romania
Romania was recognized as independent in 1878. In 1881, it became the Kingdom of Romania under Carol I (1881-1914). Later kings were Ferdinand I (1914-1927), Michael I (1927-1930, 1940-1947), and Carol II (1930-1940).
The currency, the lei, was used for all coinage.
Several of the gold coins below are listed as non-circulating. Any gold coin minted in the 1930s or 1940s are effectively non-circulating.
Silver was re-introduced in 1932 at a debased value. The 100 lei was 14 grams at 0.5 fine (a 97% reduction in silver content from 4.2 grams of silver per Lei to 0.12 grams per Lei).
Circulation Coins
Certain images are clickable for more detail
100 Lei
1906 (Carol I, Reign)
(Image: CNG Jan 2023)
100 Lei
1922 (Ferdinand I)
(Image: Sincona May 2023)
100 Lei
1939 (Anniv. of Birth of Carol I, 1st Type)
(Image: Heritage Jan 2012)
100 Lei
1939 (Anniv. of Birth of Carol I, 2nd Type - Angel)
(Image: Heritage Mar 2021)
100 Lei
1940 (Carol II, 10th Anniversary, 1st Type)
(Image: Heritage Mar 2021)
100 Lei
1940 (Carol II, 10th Anniversary, 2nd Type)
(Image: Heritage Aug 2016)
50 Lei
1922 (Ferdinand I)
(Image: Heritage Aug 2016)
25 Lei
1922 (Ferdinand I)
(Image: Heritage Apr 2014)
50 Lei
1906 (Carol I, Reign)
(Image: Heritage Jan 2020)
25 Lei
1906 (Carol I, Reign)
(Image: Heritage Nov 2022)
50 Bani (1/2 Lei)
50 Bani (1/2 Lei)
20 Lei
1868 (Carol I)
(Image: Heritage Jan 2024)
20 Lei
1883-1890 (Carol I)
(Image: MDC Apr 2023)
20 Lei
1922 (Ferdinand I)
(Image: NAC Dec 2022)
20 Lei
1870 (Carol I)
(Image: Sincona May 2023)
20 Lei
1906 (Carol I, Reign)
(Image: NAC Dec 2022)
20 Lei
1939 (Anniv. of Birth of Carol I, 1st Type)
(Image: Bertolimi Nov 2015)
20 Lei
1939 (Anniv. of Birth of Carol I , 2nd Type)
(Image: Heritage Apr 2013)
20 Lei
1940 (Carol II, 10th Anniversary Reign, 2nd Type)
(Image: Chaponnière Dec 2013)
20 Lei
1940 (Carol II, 10th Anniversary, 2nd Type)
(Image: Chaponnière Dec 2013)
The 1944 “Romanian Kings” 20 Lei is listed on Numista as a medal. At 6.55 grams at 0.9 fine, it has slightly higher gold content than the LMU standard. The “Romanian Kings” refers to Michael the Brave, King Ferdinand and King Michael.
[Note: look into further]
20 Lei
1944 (Romanian Kings)
12.5 Lei
1906 (Carol I, Reign)
(Image: Sincona May 2023)
5 Lei
1880-1881 (Carol I, “Domnul’))
5 Lei
1881-1901 (Carol I)
2 Lei
2 Lei
5 Lei
1881 (Carol I," “Rege Al”)
5 Lei
1906 (Carol I)
2 Lei
1 Lei
1 Lei
1884-1885 (“Rege Al”)
1 Lei
1 Lei
50 Bani (1/2 Lei)
50 Bani (1/2 Lei)
50 Bani (1/2 Lei)
2 Lei
1 Lei
1 Lei
1881 (“Domnul”)
