Bulgaria 20 Leva (Commemorative 2005)

Description

The lev is the official currency of Bulgaria. The official currency symbol: лв. The term “lev” meant “lion” in old Bulgarian; the contemporary word for “lion” is luv. The name “stotinka” is derived from the word “sto”, which means “a hundred.” Four lev have been introduced in Bulgaria, the first was adopted in 1881, and the last, in current use, was adopted in 1999. During the adoption of the latter lev, and after a redenomination process, banknotes were introduced in the denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 leva, followed by the 100 leva notes in 2003. The 1 and 2 lev notes were eventually phased out of circulation and replaced with coins of comparable value.

The 20 Bulgaria leva commemorative note front design features symbolic elements of the National Bank of Bulgaria; Stylized architectural details of the BNB building, the BNB emblem and sketches of bullets, rosettes and similar to early issue BNB banknotes. Also, the statue of Sveti Nikola, who was one of the first Christian bishops of Greek ancestry, came from the city of Myra in Asia Minor during the Roman Empire.

The reverse of the note presents a replica of the first Bulgarian 20 BGN banknote, dated 1885, the historic BNB structure, the sculptural picture of a seated woman featured on the 1 and 2 BGN banknotes, dated 1920, and the National Coat of Arms. The lettering of the note is presented in the Bulgarian language. This note is part of the 2005 commemorative series ‘’120th Anniversary of the Bulgarian National Bank’’. Its color is purple and yellow on a multicolor underprint.

Text: 20, ДВАДЕСЕТ ЛЕВА, БЪЛГАРСКА НАРОДНА БАНКА, УПРАВИТЕЛ, ГЛАВЕН КАСИЕР, 1885 2005, За подправка Виновните се наказват съгласно закона, БЪЛГАРСКА НАРОДНА БАНКА 20, Канин мууд нь, ДВАДЕСЕТ ЛЕВА. За подправка Виновните се наказват съгласно закона, НАРОДНА БАНКА, 20, Канин мууд нь, ДВАДЕСЕТ ЛЕВА.