Catalog
25 Lei State Bank
| Issuer | Banca de Stat a Republicii Populare Române |
|---|---|
| Year | 1952 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | Log in to see details |
| Currency | Third leu (1952-2005) |
| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Size | Log in to see details |
| Shape | Log in to see details |
| Printer | Log in to see details |
| Designer(s) | Log in to see details |
| Engraver(s) | Log in to see details |
| In circulation to | Log in to see details |
| Reference(s) | Log in to see details |
| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse lettering | BANCA REPUBLICII POPULARE ROMANE · BANCA DE STAT · 25 TUDOR VLADIMIRESCU DOUAZECI SI CINCI LEI 1952 25 25 FALSIFICAREA ACESTOR BILETE SE PEDEPSESTE CONFORM LEGILOR |
| Reverse description | Log in to see details |
| Reverse lettering | REPUBLICA POPULARA ROMANA 25 25 DOUAZECI SI CINCI LEI 25 25 |
| Signature(s) | Log in to see details |
| Protection type | Log in to see details |
| Protection description | Log in to see details |
| Variants | Log in to see details |
| Comments |
The 1952 Romanian monetary reform was one of the most punishing currency conversions in postwar Eastern Europe. Citizens were required to exchange old lei for new at rates that varied by the size of holdings — small balances received a relatively favorable rate, while larger sums were exchanged at near-confiscatory ratios. The reform simultaneously wiped out wartime inflation and destroyed private accumulated wealth in a single administrative stroke.
The print date of 30 April 1945 embedded in the plate predates the issuing authority by several years — the Banca de Stat itself was not established until the nationalization of the Romanian National Bank in 1948. Notes were prepared in advance and held in reserve before official release.