10 Lei (language policy and script reform) – Moldova
Circulating commemorative coins
Commemoration: 30 years from the adoption of laws about the state language and latin writing
Moldova
Context
Material
Diameter: 25.3 mm
Weight: 7.65 g
Thickness: 2.3 mm
Shape: Round
Standard: Silver quarter ounce
Techniques: Latent image, Milled
Alignment: Medal alignment
flip
References
KM: #Click to copy to clipboard171
Numista: #176619
Value
Exchange value: 10 MDL
Obverse
Description:
The central image depicts the Charmed Bird, a Romanian mythological figure similar to the Phoenix, rising toward the sun as the emblem of "Our Language," symbolizing the revival of national spirituality. Above it is the coat of arms of the Republic of Moldova. The circular inscription reads: "30 DE ANI DE LA ADOPTAREA LEGILOR DESPRE LIMBA DE STAT ȘI GRAFIA LATINĂ".
Inscription:
30 DE ANI DE LA ADOPTAREA LEGILOR DESPRE LIMBA DE STAT ȘI GRAFIA LATINĂ
Translation:
30 Years Since the Adoption of the Laws on the State Language and the Latin Script
Script: Latin
Language: Romanian
Reverse
Description:
- Central: "10 LEI" and "2019".
- Circumference: the 26 lowercase letters of the Latin alphabet, marking Moldova's transition from Cyrillic to Latin script.
- Upper edge: a latent "RM" monogram (for Republic of Moldova).
- On the "1": three vertical micro engravings reading "BNM" as a security feature.
- Circumference: the 26 lowercase letters of the Latin alphabet, marking Moldova's transition from Cyrillic to Latin script.
- Upper edge: a latent "RM" monogram (for Republic of Moldova).
- On the "1": three vertical micro engravings reading "BNM" as a security feature.
Inscription:
R/M
10
LEI
BNM BNM BNM
2019
10
LEI
BNM BNM BNM
2019
Script: Latin
Edge
Legend:
*MOLDOVA*MOLDOVA*
Categories
| Animal> Bird |
| Mythology> Fantastic animal |
| Symbols> Coat of Arms |
Mintings
| Year | Mint Mark | Mintage | Quality | Collection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | — | 250,000 |
Historical background
In 2019, Moldova's currency, the leu (MDL), operated within a managed float regime under the supervision of the National Bank of Moldova (NBM). The year was characterized by relative stability in the foreign exchange market, a notable achievement following a period of significant volatility earlier in the decade triggered by the 2014 banking fraud scandal. The NBM's primary focus was on maintaining price stability and building foreign exchange reserves, which had been severely depleted. Throughout the year, the leu experienced mild fluctuations but remained broadly stable against major currencies like the euro and US dollar, aided by steady remittance inflows from the large diaspora and cautious monetary policy.
This stability, however, existed against a backdrop of ongoing political and economic fragility. The year was politically turbulent, featuring two different governments and protracted uncertainty following a constitutional crisis and contested parliamentary elections. Economically, Moldova remained one of Europe's poorest countries, with growth slowing and the economy vulnerable to external shocks. The NBM's interventions in the forex market were minimal in 2019, as it aimed to allow the exchange rate to act as a shock absorber while preventing excessive volatility, a balance it largely maintained.
Furthermore, Moldova's currency dynamics continued to reflect its geopolitical positioning between the European Union and Russia. Trade and remittance flows from both spheres influenced demand for the leu. A significant underlying theme was the ongoing process of de-dollarization within the domestic financial system. The NBM continued policies to reduce the economy's heavy reliance on foreign currency loans and deposits, a legacy of past instability, though the US dollar and euro still dominated significant portions of savings and credit. Thus, the 2019 currency situation presented a surface of achieved short-term stability, underpinned by cautious institutional management, yet remained exposed to deeper structural economic weaknesses and political unpredictability.
This stability, however, existed against a backdrop of ongoing political and economic fragility. The year was politically turbulent, featuring two different governments and protracted uncertainty following a constitutional crisis and contested parliamentary elections. Economically, Moldova remained one of Europe's poorest countries, with growth slowing and the economy vulnerable to external shocks. The NBM's interventions in the forex market were minimal in 2019, as it aimed to allow the exchange rate to act as a shock absorber while preventing excessive volatility, a balance it largely maintained.
Furthermore, Moldova's currency dynamics continued to reflect its geopolitical positioning between the European Union and Russia. Trade and remittance flows from both spheres influenced demand for the leu. A significant underlying theme was the ongoing process of de-dollarization within the domestic financial system. The NBM continued policies to reduce the economy's heavy reliance on foreign currency loans and deposits, a legacy of past instability, though the US dollar and euro still dominated significant portions of savings and credit. Thus, the 2019 currency situation presented a surface of achieved short-term stability, underpinned by cautious institutional management, yet remained exposed to deeper structural economic weaknesses and political unpredictability.
🌱 Common