1 Leu


Nickel plated steel	4.45 g	21.5 mm

Description

Issuer	Moldova
Period	Republic (1991-date)
Type	Standard circulation coin
Years	2018-2024
Value	1 Leu 1 MDL = USD 0.06
Currency	Leu (1993-date)
Composition	Nickel plated steel
Weight	4.45 g
Diameter	21.5 mm
Thickness	1.8 mm
Shape	Round
Technique	Milled
Orientation	Medal alignment ↑↑
Updated	2024-10-06

References

Numista	N#135484
Rarity index	8%

Reverse

The denomination in the middle and the date below with part of the Moldovan coat of arms in the background and a hologram switching between "R" and "M" (from "Republic of Moldova").
"BNM" three times at the base of "1" at the top

Script: Latin

Lettering:
R/M
1
BNM BNM BNM
LEU
2018

Edge

Thee sections with reeds.

Comment

This coin was first issued in February 2018.
By putting together the four coins, one obtains on the obverse side the stylized image of the arms of Moldova of the Moldavian Principality, inserted in a quatrefoil, combining medieval heraldic elements: the aurochs’ head, seen frontally, with;

The crescent - on the 1-leu coin,
The sun – on the 2-lei coin,
The star, the princely crown above the aurochs’ horns and the heraldic rose – on the 5-lei coin, and
The princely dynastic shield – on the 10-lei coin.

On the reverse side, the assembling of coins recreates the State coat of arms of the Republic of Moldova.

Interesting fact

The 1 Leu coin from Moldova, which was minted between 2018 and 2024, features an image of the Moldovan coat of arms on one side and the number "1" on the other. The coat of arms includes a stylized eagle, a shield with the country's colors (blue, yellow, and red), and a crescent moon. This design was chosen to represent Moldova's history, culture, and national identity.