10 Lei (Library of Romanian Academy) – Romania
Non-circulating coins
Commemoration: 150 years since the establishment of the Library of Romanian Academy
Romania
Context
Material
Diameter: 37 mm
Weight: 31.1 g
Silver weight: 31.07 g
Shape: Round
Composition: 99.9% Silver
Standard: Silver ounce
Magnetic: No
Technique: Milled
References
KM: #Click to copy to clipboard413
Numista: #119954
Value
Exchange value: 10 RON = $2.32
Bullion value: $88.32
Inflation-adjusted value: 15.66 RON
Obverse
Description:
A vintage image of the Romanian Academy Library's old reading room, featuring "ROMANIA," "10 LEI," the Romanian coat of arms, and the year 2017.
Inscription:
ROMANIA
10
LEI
20 17
10
LEI
20 17
Script: Latin
Reverse
Description:
The Romanian Academy logo overlaid on a graphic of its library collections, encircled by “BIBLIOTECA ACADEMIEI ROMANE 150 ANI”.
Inscription:
BIBLIOTECA ACADEMIEI ROMANE 150 ANI
Script: Latin
Edge
Milled
Mintings
| Year | Mint Mark | Mintage | Quality | Collection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | — | 200 | Proof |
Historical background
In 2017, Romania's currency situation was characterized by a period of relative stability and gradual appreciation for the Romanian Leu (RON) against the Euro, a notable shift from previous years of volatility. The RON strengthened to around 4.5-4.6 against the Euro, its strongest level in several years, driven by robust economic growth exceeding 7%—the highest in the EU—and significant inflows of European funds. This economic performance, coupled with higher interest rates from the National Bank of Romania (NBR) to combat rising inflation, made the Leu attractive for carry trades, where investors borrowed in low-interest currencies to invest in higher-yielding Romanian assets.
However, this appreciation occurred amidst underlying political and fiscal tensions that created a dual narrative. The government, led by the Social Democratic Party (PSD), pursued expansionary fiscal policies, including significant wage and pension increases, which raised concerns among investors and the NBR about long-term macroeconomic stability and inflation. These concerns periodically triggered warnings from credit rating agencies and brief episodes of volatility, as markets weighed strong short-term growth against potential overheating and fiscal slippage. The NBR thus walked a tightrope, maintaining a cautious monetary policy to manage inflation—which rose sharply to over 5% by year-end—without stifling growth or causing excessive currency strength that could hurt exporters.
Overall, 2017 presented a contrast between a strong, growth-driven currency and persistent structural vulnerabilities. While the Leu's performance reflected confidence in Romania's booming economy, the central bank remained vigilant, frequently intervening in the foreign exchange market to smooth out excessive fluctuations. The year ended with the currency stable but with clear cautionary signals regarding fiscal discipline and inflation, setting the stage for the economic policy debates that would follow in subsequent years.
However, this appreciation occurred amidst underlying political and fiscal tensions that created a dual narrative. The government, led by the Social Democratic Party (PSD), pursued expansionary fiscal policies, including significant wage and pension increases, which raised concerns among investors and the NBR about long-term macroeconomic stability and inflation. These concerns periodically triggered warnings from credit rating agencies and brief episodes of volatility, as markets weighed strong short-term growth against potential overheating and fiscal slippage. The NBR thus walked a tightrope, maintaining a cautious monetary policy to manage inflation—which rose sharply to over 5% by year-end—without stifling growth or causing excessive currency strength that could hurt exporters.
Overall, 2017 presented a contrast between a strong, growth-driven currency and persistent structural vulnerabilities. While the Leu's performance reflected confidence in Romania's booming economy, the central bank remained vigilant, frequently intervening in the foreign exchange market to smooth out excessive fluctuations. The year ended with the currency stable but with clear cautionary signals regarding fiscal discipline and inflation, setting the stage for the economic policy debates that would follow in subsequent years.
✨ Legendary