Banknote Billet Moldava 1 leu 1998

The 1 Moldovan leu banknote issued in 1998 belongs to Series A of the National Bank of Moldova. It is the lowest denomination of the series introduced during Moldova's monetary reform, the leu having replaced the Moldovan coupon in 1993.

The obverse of this banknote features the portrait of ?tefan cel Mare, also known as Stephen the Great, Prince of Moldova from 1457 to 1504. This major historical figure of medieval Moldova is depicted in a classical manner, in keeping with the traditional iconographic representations of this ruler, whose reign is associated with a period of resistance and cultural and political expansion. His effigy appears on several denominations of Moldovan currency, reflecting his importance in the country's national identity.

The reverse of the banknote depicts the C?priana Monastery, one of the oldest and most significant Orthodox monastic complexes in Moldova. Founded in the 15th century, this monastery has direct historical ties to ?tefan cel Mare, who was one of its principal benefactors. Its architecture illustrates the medieval Moldovan religious style, and the building remains active to this day.

This banknote is denominated in Moldovan leu, the national currency of the Republic of Moldova, and bears the face value of 1 leu. Series A represents one of the first standardised issues of this currency in its modern form. This type of banknote, although of low face value, holds considerable interest for collectors specialising in the numismatics of countries from the former Soviet Union, owing to its carefully chosen iconography and its deep historical and cultural roots.