Bulgaria Coin List

The official currency of Bulgaria has been the euro (EUR) since January 1, 2026, when the country joined the eurozone and the Bulgarian lev (BGN) was withdrawn. For numismatics, this change marks not only the closing of a historical stage, but also the beginning of a new collectible chapter: the first euro issues with Bulgarian national design, combining the common euro format with symbols specific to the country.

From the lev to the euro: conversion and dual circulation period

The changeover to the euro was made on a very stable basis, because the lev had been operating at a fixed rate for decades: the irrevocable conversion rate was set at 1 EUR = 1.95583 BGN. During January 2026 there was a period of dual circulation (lev and euro accepted in cash), a particularly interesting time for collectors because of the actual coexistence of both currencies, the appearance of commercial rounding and the rapid disappearance of lev pieces from the street.

Modern Bulgarian lev (BGN): the final stage before the euro

The "modern lev" closest to today's collector is that of the 1999 redenomination, when the monetary system was adjusted (simplifying figures) and the lev's link to the euro was consolidated through the fixed rate regime. In circulation it was common to find stotinki (Bulgarian cents) and coins of 1 and 2 leva, as well as banknotes with historical and cultural figures that today gain attractiveness as the "last series" of a national currency already closed. In numismatics, these closures usually revalue the interest for final years, mint variants, uncirculated grades and complete series by denomination.

Monetary history and numismatics: why the changeover to the euro matters

The monetary history of Bulgaria, with the lev as the backbone since the end of the 19th century, leaves a very rich path for collectors: from classical issues and reform periods, to the contemporary stage culminating with the entry into the euro. From 2026, the focus shifts to two collectible fronts: on the one hand, the latest issues of the lev (especially in high conservation and sets), and on the other, the first Bulgarian euro coins, which usually generate a very high demand due to their "premiere" value in European numismatics.