25 Lei State Bank

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.