The leu (Romanian pronunciation: [lew], plural lei [lej]) is the currency of Romania. It is subdivided into 100 bani (singular: ban).
The name of the currency means "lion". On 1 July 2005, Romania
underwent a currency reform, switching from the previous leu (ROL) to a
new leu (RON). 1 RON is equal to 10,000 ROL.
In celebration of the total solar eclipse of August 11, 1999, the National Bank of Romania (BNR) decided to issue a commemorative two thousand Romanian lei banknote. This was the last solar eclipse of the millennium and was visible across southern Romania. Since it was the last eclipse of the millennium, the denomination was chosen to be 2000 in respect to the upcoming year. These notes were issued as legal tender.
Obverse: Rendering of the solar system viewed from afar, showing all of the planets revolving around the Sun
Reverse: Map outline of Romania with the colors schemed to match the colors of
the Romanian flag. The map marks the main points where the solar eclipse
was visible in a path moving along the map from
west to east.
west to east.
The notes were printed using a method of printing known as offset printing.
Offset printing is a commonly used printing technique where the inked
image is transferred (or "offset") from a plate to a rubber blanket,
then finally onto the printing surface.
The 2000 Lei banknote issued by the National Bank of Romania is the first polymer banknote issued in Europe.
The 2000 Lei banknote issued by the National Bank of Romania is the first polymer banknote issued in Europe.
Romania joined the European Union on 1 January 2007 and it is expected to adopt the euro in 2015.
