Monetary Reform (1952-1966) Coins
The Monetary Reform in Romania between 1952 and 1966 was a period of significant changes in the country's monetary system. This era was marked by the transition from the old leu to the new leu, as well as the introduction of new coins and banknotes that reflected the political and economic changes in the country under the communist regime.
The 1952 Reform
In 1952, Romania implemented a radical currency reform that established a new currency: the leu of the People's Republic of Romania. This reform involved a massive devaluation of the previous currency, with an exchange rate of 20 old lei to 1 new leu. New coins of 1, 3 and 5 bani, as well as 10, 25 and 50 bani were introduced, all minted in aluminum. These coins featured communist symbols such as the five-pointed star and the coat of arms of the People's Republic of Romania. The 1952 reform also saw the issuance of banknotes in denominations of 1, 3, 5, 10, 10, 25 and 100 lei, which featured images of workers, peasants and industrial symbols, reflecting the socialist ideology of the regime.
Changes and Evolution until 1966
Between 1952 and 1966, the Romanian monetary system underwent several adjustments. In 1960, new coins of 15 and 25 bani in a nickel-brass alloy were introduced, which coexisted with the previous issues. A significant change occurred in 1963, when silver commemorative coins of 1 and 3 lei were issued, the first of this type since the 1952 reform. These commemorative coins celebrated the centenary of the University of Bucharest. In 1966, another major monetary reform was carried out, which included the introduction of 5, 15 and 25 bani coins in nickel-plated steel, as well as new 1 and 3 lei coins in nickel. This reform also saw the issuance of new banknotes with updated designs, marking the beginning of a new era in Romanian numismatics under the leadership of Nicolae Ceaușescu.
The most valuable and popular coins
The most valuable Monetary Reform (1952-1966) coins and sought after by collectors according to Foronum statistics are the following:
The valuation of these coins has been achieved through a meticulous algorithm that considers the current market, taking into account aspects such as material, weight, diameter, edge, year of mintage, mint of manufacture and the number of coins produced. Coins with limited mintages and in good condition are usually among the most valuable.
Ancient coins of Romania
To facilitate their classification, we have decided to organise the coins according to their historical period, you can consult the coins by historical numismatic categories of Romania.
Reigns 1866-1947 Monetary Reform 1947-1947 People's Republic 1947-1952 Monetary Reform 1952-1966 Socialist Republic 1966-1992 Current Republic 1992-2005 Monetary Reform 2006-?Coin Catalog
Rumania | 1 ban
Rumania | 3 bani
Rumania | 3 bani
Rumania | 5 bani
Rumania | 5 bani
Rumania | 10 bani
Rumania | 10 bani
Rumania | 10 bani
Rumania | 25 bani
Rumania | 25 bani
Rumania | 25 bani
Rumania | 50 bani
Rumania | 15 bani
Rumania | 25 bani
Rumania | 5 bani
Rumania | 1 leu
Rumania | 3 lei
Rumania | 25 bani
Rumania | 1 leu
Rumania | 3 lei
Other resources to find coins and banknotes of Romania
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