| Obverse description |
A composition depicting Bucharest during the age when the action of the novel Craii de Curtea-Veche takes place, the inscription “ROMANIA” in an arc, the coat of arms of Romania, the year of issue “2019” and the face value “100 LEI”. |
| Obverse script |
Latin |
| Obverse lettering |
ROMANIA 2019 100 LEI |
| Reverse description |
The portrait and the name of the writer Mateiu Ion Caragiale, the circular inscription “CRAII DE CURTEA-VECHE” and the year when the novel was first published, “1929”. |
| Reverse script |
Latin |
| Reverse lettering |
CRAII DE CURTEA-VECHE Mateiu Ion Caragiale 1929 |
| Edge |
Reeded |
| Mint |
|
| Mintage |
2019 - Proof - 250
|
| Numisquare ID |
1304394710 |
Historical Context: Issued by the National Bank of Romania in 2019, this 100 Lei gold coin commemorates the 90th anniversary of Mateiu Caragiale's interwar novel, "Craii de Curtea-Veche" (Old-Court Philanderers). This issuance underscores Romania's dedication to its rich cultural and literary heritage. The novel, a cornerstone of Romanian modernism, offers a critical portrayal of Bucharest's decadent aristocratic society, providing unique historical and social commentary on the interwar period.
Artistry: While the specific engraver is not publicly attributed, the coin's design adheres to a modern realist style. The obverse features the Coat of Arms of Romania, flanked by "ROMANIA" and "2019", with "100 LEI" below. The reverse captures the novel's essence, typically depicting a stylized portrait