Best Western City Hotel - Sofia, Bulgaria: Bulgarian Notes in Circulation

Pencho Slaveykov's likeness appears on the obverse side of the banknote. The background includes detail fragments of the National Theatre and the National Library: institutions linked with the poet's artistic and public activity.
Pencho Slaveykov (1866 - 1912)
His contribution to the convergence of Bulgarian to world letters make this poet, columnist, translator and literary critic on of Bulgaria's most enduring literary classics. His character and writings left a powerful and enduring impression on Bulgarian intellectual development.

Major theme of the banknote's reverse side are Slaveykov's poems: the national epic "A Song of Blood", and a set of plates from his anthology "Epic Songs"; the facsimile shows a page of its first edition. The poet's intimate lyricism forms a second theme, represented by the "Dream of Joy" anthology, and a portrait of his great love - fellow poet Mara Belcheva.

Background colour - brown.
Paper - 100% cotton, in reseda tones.
Dimensions - 136 x 76 mm.

Security Features
Anti-copy Stripe - a hologram stripe consisting of alternating images of a bird (an element of the design on the reverse of the banknote), the figure "50" and the text "ЛЕВА" (LEVS) appearing as miniprint, which change their colour when seen from a different angle.
Security Thread - a thread incorporated in the banknote paper with the text "БНБ 50" (BNB 50) appearing as a negative microprint.
Watermark - a half-tone outline of the portrait depicted on the banknote.
Fluorescence - elements of the pattern, serial numbers and fibres in the paper fluoresce under UV light.
Transparent register element - when the banknote is held against the light the figure "50" is seen in a square checkered field.
Microprint on the obverse - the texts "ПЕНЧО СЛАВЕЙКОВ" (PENCHO SLAVEYKOV) to the left of the portrait and in the two vertical lines to the right of the portrait; the text "ПЕТДЕСЕТ ЛЕВА" (FIFTY LEVS) in the area of the right of the portrait; the text "50 ЛЕВА" (50 LEVS) printed within the boundaries of the denomination figure "50".
Microprint on the reverse - the text "ПЕНЧО СЛАВЕЙКОВ" (PENCHO SLAVEYKOV) forming a vertical stripe in the left side of the banknote.
The obverse of the banknote features the embossed portrait, texts "БЪЛГАРСКА НАРОДНА БАНКА", "ПЕТДЕСЕТ ЛЕВА" (BULGARIAN NATIONAL BANK, FIFTY LEVS), the figure of the denomination "50", the vignette, and the text "50 ЛЕВА" (50 LEVS) on the anti-copy stripe.
Designation for blind people - two embossed triangles pointed at each other.

20 LEVS

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1999

A portrait of Stefan Stambolov is the main feature on the obverse side of the banknote. The central part carries a cover facsimile of his anthology "Songs and Poems" issued in Bucharest in 1877, and his poem "To My Comrades". Below appears the Seal of the Edinstvo (Unity) Committee in Tarnovo, whose co-founder Stambolov was.
Stefan Stambolov (1854 - 1895), this most resolute, uncompromising and controversial of Bulgarian statesmen grasped the perilous historic task of modernising the nation. Participant in the National Liberation struggle, poet National Unification activist National Assembly Deputy, Chairman, Regent, and Prime Minister, Stambolov put Bulgaria upon the map of European statesmanship.

The reverse of the banknote depicts the National Assembly building and fragments of Orlov Most and Lavov Most (Sofia's Eagle and Lion Bridges): public edifices linked with his period in office; and manuscript in his hand.

Background colour - blue.
Paper - 100% cotton, in violet tones.
Dimensions - 131 x 73 mm.

Security Features
Anti-copy Stripe - a hologram stripe consisting of alternating images of an eagle (an element of the design on the reverse of the banknote), the figure "20" and the text "ЛЕВА" (LEVS) appearing as miniprint, which change their colour when seen from a different angle.
Security Thread - a thread incorporated in the banknote paper with the text "БНБ 20" (BNB 20) appearing as a negative microprint.
Watermark - a half-tone outline of the portrait depicted on the banknote.
Fluorescence - elements of the pattern, serial numbers and fibres in the paper fluoresce under UV light.
Transparent register element - when the banknote is held against the light the figure "20" is seen in a square checkered field.
Microprint on the obverse - to the left of the portrait there are alternating lines with the texts: "СТЕФАН СТАМБОЛОВ" (STEFAN STAMBOLOV), "1854 - 1895" and "20 ЛЕВА" (20 LEVS); to the right of the portrait in the two vertical lines: the text "СТЕФАН СТАМБОЛОВ" (STEFAN STAMBOLOV); the text "20 ЛЕВА" (20 LEVS) printed within the boundaries of the denomination figure "20"; the figure "20" forming a stripe underneath the shoulder of the portrait image.
Microprint on the reverse - above the image of the lion - a stripe of figures "20"; in the right side of the banknote - the figure "20".
The obverse of the banknote features the embossed texts "БЪЛГАРСКА НАРОДНА БАНКА", "ДВАДЕСЕТ ЛЕВА" (BULGARIAN NATIONAL BANK, TWENTY LEVS), the figure of the denomination "20", the vignette, and the text "20 ЛЕВА" (20 LEVS) on the anti-copy stripe.
Designation for blind people - two embossed circles.

10 LEVS

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1999

The obverse side carries an engraving of Doctor Peter Beron. To the right of him appear the frontispiece and plates from his 1824 "Primer Containing Diverse Instructions". Colloquially known as Riben Bukvar (the Fish Primer), this was infused with the ideas of advanced European education.
Doctor Peter Beron (1799 - 1871), a National Revival scientist, Renaissance Man, reformer and sponsor of Bulgarian learning, this linguist with nine languages authored the first secular instruction book in Bulgarian, and encoded modern Bulgarian grammar. He contributed greatly to the modernisation of education and establishment of contemporary Bulgarian culture.

The reverse side shows sketches taken from Peter Beron's treatises in astronomy, and his personal telescope.

Background colour - green.
Paper - 100% cotton, in beige tones.
Dimensions - 126 x 70 mm.

Security Features
Anti-copy Stripe - a hologram stripe consisting of alternating images of a globe and a telescope (elements of the design on the reverse of the banknote), the figure "10" and the text "ЛЕВА" (LEVS) appearing as miniprint, which change their colour when seen from a different angle.
Security Thread - a thread incorporated in the banknote paper with initials "БНБ 10" (BNB 10) appearing as a negative microprint.
Watermark - a half-tone outline of the portrait depicted on the banknote.
Fluorescence - elements of the pattern, serial numbers and fibres in the paper fluoresce under UV light.
Transparent register element - when the banknote is held against the light the figure "10" is seen in a square checkered field.
Microprint on the obverse - to the left of the portrait there are alternating lines with the texts: "ПЕТЪР БЕРОН" (PETER BERON) and "1799 - 1871"; in the two vertical lines to the right of the portrait: the text "ПЕТЪР БЕРОН" (PETER BERON); the text "10 ЛЕВА" (10 LEVS) printed within the boundaries of the denomination "10"; the figure "10" forming a stripe underneath the year of the issue "1999".
Microprint on the reverse - the text "ПЕТЪР БЕРОН" (PETER BERON) forming a stripe on the left side of the banknote.
The obverse of the banknote features the embossed portrait, the texts "БЪЛГАРСКА НАРОДНА БАНКА", "ДЕСЕТ ЛЕВА" (BULGARIAN NATIONAL BANK, TEN LEVS), the figure of the denomination "10", the vignette, and the text "10 ЛЕВА" (10 LEVS) on the anti-copy stripe.
Designation for blind people - an embossed rectangle and the circle underneath.

5 LEVS

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1999

5 Levs note

Main feature of the obverse side of the banknote is the engraving of Ivan Milev, a noted Bulgarian 1920s artist. the background shows details of his painting "Art and the Crown of Thorns", decorative motifs from his other works, passages from his letters and a monogram from a bill advertising his first exhibition, held in Sofia in 1925.
Ivan Milev (1897 -1927), painter, avant-garde stage designer, and one of the circle who defined the fin-de-siecle in Bulgarian art. Gifted with the potent imagination and strong stylistic sensibility, he sought inspiration and models in village life and folk songs, legends and beliefs to create supple images rich in Bulgarian tradition and spirit.

The reverse shows fragments from his paintings "A Woman Harvesting", "The Bulgarian Madonna", and "Wedding of the Dragon".

Background colour - burgundy red.
Paper - 100% cotton, in pink tones.
Dimensions - 121 x 67 mm.

Security Features
Anti-copy Stripe - a hologram stripe consisting of alternating images of a stylized flower (an element of the design on the reverse of the banknote), the digit "5" and the text "ЛЕВА" (LEVS) appearing as miniprint, which change their colour when seen from a different angle.
Security Thread - a thread incorporated in the banknote paper with initials "БНБ 5" (BNB 5) appearing as a negative microprint.
Watermark - a half-tone outline of the portrait depicted on the banknote.
Fluorescence - elements of the pattern, serial numbers and fibres in the paper fluoresce under UV light.
Transparent register element - when the banknote is held against the light the digit "5" is seen in a square checkered field.
Microprint on the obverse- the text "ИВАН МИЛЕВ" (IVAN MILEV) to the left of the portrait and in the two vertical lines to the right of the portrait; the text "5 ЛЕВА" (5 LEVS) printed within the boundaries of the denomination digit "5".
Microprint on the reverse - alternating lines with the texts "ИВАН МИЛЕВ" (IVAN MILEV) and "1897 - 1927" form a stripe on the left side of the banknote; alternating lines with the texts "ИВАН МИЛЕВ" (IVAN MILEV) and "1897 - 1927" printed within the boundaries of the harvester's sleeve; the digit "5" under the harvester's hand.
The obverse of the banknote features the embossed portrait, the texts "БЪЛГАРСКА НАРОДНА БАНКА", "ПЕТ ЛЕВА" (BULGARIAN NATIONAL BANK, FIVE LEVS), the digit of the denomination "5", the vignette, and the text "5 ЛЕВА" (5 LEVS) on the anti-copy stripe.
Designation for blind people-two embossed triangles pointed upwards.

2 LEVS

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1999

An engraving of Pagisios of Chiliandar is the major item on the obverse side. The background depicts the Zografou Monastery on Mount Athos, the Monastery Seal, and the interior of Pagisios' monastic cell.
Pagisios of Chiliandar (1722 - 1773), the man who kindled the spark of the Bulgarian National Revival, served in Holy Orders at the monastery of Chiliandar on Mount Athos. He authored the "Historiae Sclavo-Bulgaricus": the first work of modern Bulgarian letters and harbinger of Bulgarians' spiritual emancipation and national reawakening.

The reverse sideshows a facsimile of the Zografou draft of the of the "Historiae Sclavo-Bulgaricus" with a list of Bulgarian rulers. This is overprinted with impressions of Tsar Kalogiannis Ring Seal and three seals with the images of Bulgarian Sovereigns Mihail Shishman, Svetoslav Terter and Tsar Ivan Asen II. The right side shows Hristofor Zhefarovich's lion rampant with the names of Bulgarian rulers from the First and Second Empires overprinted in microscopic lettering, Bottom right appears Bulgaria's Coat of Arms with three lions couchant, as published in the Gruenberg Heraldic Compendium of 1483.

Background - violet.
Paper - 100% cotton, in blue tones.
- 116 x 64 mm.

Security Features
Anti-copy Stripe - a hologram stripe consisting of rhomboid elements which change their colour when seen from different angles.
Security Thread - a thread incorporated in the banknote paper with initials "БНБ" (BNB) appearing as a negative microprint.
Watermark - a half-tone silhouette of a rampant lion.
Fluorescence - elements of the pattern, serial numbers and fibres in the paper fluoresce under UV light.
Transparent register element - when the banknote is held against the light the digit "2" is seen in a square checkered field.
Microprint on the obverse - to the left of the portrait: the text "ПАИСИЙ ХИЛЕНДАРСКИ" (PAGISIOS OF CHILIANDAR);
text "2 ЛЕВА" (2 LEVS) printed within the boundaries of the denomination digit "2"; vertical lines starting from the digit "2".
Microprint on the reverse - The image of the lion features the names of Bulgarian tsars "ИВАН АЛЕКСАНДЪР МИХАИЛ III ШИШМАН" (IVAN ALEXANDER MIHAIL III SHISHMAN...).
The obverse of the banknote features the embossed portrait, the texts "БЪЛГАРСКА НАРОДНА БАНКА", "ДВА ЛЕВА" (BULGARIAN NATIONAL BANK, TWO LEVS), the vignette, and the digit of the denomination "2" on the anti-copy stripe.
Designation for blind people - two embossed rectangles.

1 LEV

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1999

The obverse of the banknote shows a 1789 icon depicting of Sveti Ivan Rilski from the Uspenie Bogorodichno (Assumption of Our Lady) Church in the Pchelino Postnica (Hermitage) near the Rila Monastery.
Sveti Ivan Rilski (876 - 946)
Bulgaria adopted Christianity as a national religion in AD864, and Ivan of Rila preached Christ's doctrine in mediaeval Bulgaria. Canonised soon after his death, he became patron of the monastery which emerged on the spot where he ended his earthly span. Today the Rila Monastery, over a thousand years old, houses the Saint's relics.

The reverse of the banknote shows the main Monastery church set off by the cloister's open-air walkways.

Background colour - red.
Paper - 100% cotton, in orange tones.
Dimensions - 112 x 60 mm.

Security Features
Anti-copy Stripe - a hologram stripe consisting of rhomboid elements which change their colour when seen from different angles.
Security Thread - a thread incorporated in the banknote paper with initials "БНБ" (BNB) appearing as a negative microprint.
Watermark - a half-tone silhouette of a rampant lion.
Fluorescence - elements of the pattern, serial numbers and fibres in the paper fluoresce under UV light.
Microprint on the obverse - to the left of the portrait there are alternating lines with the texts: "ИВАН РИЛСКИ" (IVAN RILSKI) and "876 - 946";
the text "ЛЕВ" (LEV) in the right side of the element under the denomination digit "1".
Microprint on the reverse - the text "ЕДИН ЛЕВ РИЛСКИ МАНАСТИР" (ONE LEV RILA MONASTERY) appearing in the middle of the upper side of the banknote; the text "ЛЕВ" (LEV) in the right side of the element under the denomination digit "1".
The obverse of the banknote features the embossed portrait, the texts "БЪЛГАРСКА НАРОДНА БАНКА", "ЕДИН ЛЕВ" (BULGARIAN NATIONAL BANK, ONE LEV), the vignette, and the digit of the denomination "1" on the anti-copy stripe.
Designation for blind people - an embossed triangle pointed upwards and a circle underneath.

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Bulgarian notes in circulation as of July 5th,1999 (Information provided by the Bulgarian National Bank) 50 LEVS [ Close Window ] 1999
							Pencho Slaveykov's likeness appears on the obverse side of the banknote. The background includes detail fragments of the National Theatre and the National Library: institutions linked with the poet's artistic and public activity. Pencho Slaveykov (1866 - 1912) His contribution to the convergence of Bulgarian to world letters make this poet, columnist, translator and literary critic on of Bulgaria's most enduring literary classics. His character and writings left a powerful and enduring impression on Bulgarian intellectual development.
							Major theme of the banknote's reverse side are Slaveykov's poems: the national epic "A Song of Blood", and a set of plates from his anthology "Epic Songs"; the facsimile shows a page of its first edition. The poet's intimate lyricism forms a second theme, represented by the "Dream of Joy" anthology, and a portrait of his great love - fellow poet Mara Belcheva.
Background colour - brown. Paper - 100% cotton, in reseda tones. Dimensions - 136 x 76 mm. Security Features Anti-copy Stripe - a hologram stripe consisting of alternating images of a bird (an element of the design on the reverse of the banknote), the figure "50" and the text "ЛЕВА" (LEVS) appearing as miniprint, which change their colour when seen from a different angle. Security Thread - a thread incorporated in the banknote paper with the text "БНБ 50" (BNB 50) appearing as a negative microprint. Watermark - a half-tone outline of the portrait depicted on the banknote. Fluorescence - elements of the pattern, serial numbers and fibres in the paper fluoresce under UV light. Transparent register element - when the banknote is held against the light the figure "50" is seen in a square checkered field. Microprint on the obverse - the texts "ПЕНЧО СЛАВЕЙКОВ" (PENCHO SLAVEYKOV) to the left of the portrait and in the two vertical lines to the right of the portrait; the text "ПЕТДЕСЕТ ЛЕВА" (FIFTY LEVS) in the area of the right of the portrait; the text "50 ЛЕВА" (50 LEVS) printed within the boundaries of the denomination figure "50". Microprint on the reverse - the text "ПЕНЧО СЛАВЕЙКОВ" (PENCHO SLAVEYKOV) forming a vertical stripe in the left side of the banknote. The obverse of the banknote features the embossed portrait, texts "БЪЛГАРСКА НАРОДНА БАНКА", "ПЕТДЕСЕТ ЛЕВА" (BULGARIAN NATIONAL BANK, FIFTY LEVS), the figure of the denomination "50", the vignette, and the text "50 ЛЕВА" (50 LEVS) on the anti-copy stripe. Designation for blind people - two embossed triangles pointed at each other.
20 LEVS [ Close Window ] 1999
						A portrait of Stefan Stambolov is the main feature on the obverse side of the banknote. The central part carries a cover facsimile of his anthology "Songs and Poems" issued in Bucharest in 1877, and his poem "To My Comrades". Below appears the Seal of the Edinstvo (Unity) Committee in Tarnovo, whose co-founder Stambolov was. Stefan Stambolov (1854 - 1895), this most resolute, uncompromising and controversial of Bulgarian statesmen grasped the perilous historic task of modernising the nation. Participant in the National Liberation struggle, poet National Unification activist National Assembly Deputy, Chairman, Regent, and Prime Minister, Stambolov put Bulgaria upon the map of European statesmanship.
						The reverse of the banknote depicts the National Assembly building and fragments of Orlov Most and Lavov Most (Sofia's Eagle and Lion Bridges): public edifices linked with his period in office; and manuscript in his hand.
Background colour - blue. Paper - 100% cotton, in violet tones. Dimensions - 131 x 73 mm. Security Features Anti-copy Stripe - a hologram stripe consisting of alternating images of an eagle (an element of the design on the reverse of the banknote), the figure "20" and the text "ЛЕВА" (LEVS) appearing as miniprint, which change their colour when seen from a different angle. Security Thread - a thread incorporated in the banknote paper with the text "БНБ 20" (BNB 20) appearing as a negative microprint. Watermark - a half-tone outline of the portrait depicted on the banknote. Fluorescence - elements of the pattern, serial numbers and fibres in the paper fluoresce under UV light. Transparent register element - when the banknote is held against the light the figure "20" is seen in a square checkered field. Microprint on the obverse - to the left of the portrait there are alternating lines with the texts: "СТЕФАН СТАМБОЛОВ" (STEFAN STAMBOLOV), "1854 - 1895" and "20 ЛЕВА" (20 LEVS); to the right of the portrait in the two vertical lines: the text "СТЕФАН СТАМБОЛОВ" (STEFAN STAMBOLOV); the text "20 ЛЕВА" (20 LEVS) printed within the boundaries of the denomination figure "20"; the figure "20" forming a stripe underneath the shoulder of the portrait image. Microprint on the reverse - above the image of the lion - a stripe of figures "20"; in the right side of the banknote - the figure "20". The obverse of the banknote features the embossed texts "БЪЛГАРСКА НАРОДНА БАНКА", "ДВАДЕСЕТ ЛЕВА" (BULGARIAN NATIONAL BANK, TWENTY LEVS), the figure of the denomination "20", the vignette, and the text "20 ЛЕВА" (20 LEVS) on the anti-copy stripe. Designation for blind people - two embossed circles.
10 LEVS [ Close Window ] 1999
				The obverse side carries an engraving of Doctor Peter Beron. To the right of him appear the frontispiece and plates from his 1824 "Primer Containing Diverse Instructions". Colloquially known as Riben Bukvar (the Fish Primer), this was infused with the ideas of advanced European education. Doctor Peter Beron (1799 - 1871), a National Revival scientist, Renaissance Man, reformer and sponsor of Bulgarian learning, this linguist with nine languages authored the first secular instruction book in Bulgarian, and encoded modern Bulgarian grammar. He contributed greatly to the modernisation of education and establishment of contemporary Bulgarian culture.
					The reverse side shows sketches taken from Peter Beron's treatises in astronomy, and his personal telescope.
Background colour - green. Paper - 100% cotton, in beige tones. Dimensions - 126 x 70 mm. Security Features Anti-copy Stripe - a hologram stripe consisting of alternating images of a globe and a telescope (elements of the design on the reverse of the banknote), the figure "10" and the text "ЛЕВА" (LEVS) appearing as miniprint, which change their colour when seen from a different angle. Security Thread - a thread incorporated in the banknote paper with initials "БНБ 10" (BNB 10) appearing as a negative microprint. Watermark - a half-tone outline of the portrait depicted on the banknote. Fluorescence - elements of the pattern, serial numbers and fibres in the paper fluoresce under UV light. Transparent register element - when the banknote is held against the light the figure "10" is seen in a square checkered field. Microprint on the obverse - to the left of the portrait there are alternating lines with the texts: "ПЕТЪР БЕРОН" (PETER BERON) and "1799 - 1871"; in the two vertical lines to the right of the portrait: the text "ПЕТЪР БЕРОН" (PETER BERON); the text "10 ЛЕВА" (10 LEVS) printed within the boundaries of the denomination "10"; the figure "10" forming a stripe underneath the year of the issue "1999". Microprint on the reverse - the text "ПЕТЪР БЕРОН" (PETER BERON) forming a stripe on the left side of the banknote. The obverse of the banknote features the embossed portrait, the texts "БЪЛГАРСКА НАРОДНА БАНКА", "ДЕСЕТ ЛЕВА" (BULGARIAN NATIONAL BANK, TEN LEVS), the figure of the denomination "10", the vignette, and the text "10 ЛЕВА" (10 LEVS) on the anti-copy stripe. Designation for blind people - an embossed rectangle and the circle underneath.
5 LEVS [ Close Window ] 1999
			Main feature of the obverse side of the banknote is the engraving of Ivan Milev, a noted Bulgarian 1920s artist. the background shows details of his painting "Art and the Crown of Thorns", decorative motifs from his other works, passages from his letters and a monogram from a bill advertising his first exhibition, held in Sofia in 1925. Ivan Milev (1897 -1927), painter, avant-garde stage designer, and one of the circle who defined the fin-de-siecle in Bulgarian art. Gifted with the potent imagination and strong stylistic sensibility, he sought inspiration and models in village life and folk songs, legends and beliefs to create supple images rich in Bulgarian tradition and spirit.
			The reverse shows fragments from his paintings "A Woman Harvesting", "The Bulgarian Madonna", and "Wedding of the Dragon".
Background colour - burgundy red. Paper - 100% cotton, in pink tones. Dimensions - 121 x 67 mm. Security Features Anti-copy Stripe - a hologram stripe consisting of alternating images of a stylized flower (an element of the design on the reverse of the banknote), the digit "5" and the text "ЛЕВА" (LEVS) appearing as miniprint, which change their colour when seen from a different angle. Security Thread - a thread incorporated in the banknote paper with initials "БНБ 5" (BNB 5) appearing as a negative microprint. Watermark - a half-tone outline of the portrait depicted on the banknote. Fluorescence - elements of the pattern, serial numbers and fibres in the paper fluoresce under UV light. Transparent register element - when the banknote is held against the light the digit "5" is seen in a square checkered field. Microprint on the obverse- the text "ИВАН МИЛЕВ" (IVAN MILEV) to the left of the portrait and in the two vertical lines to the right of the portrait; the text "5 ЛЕВА" (5 LEVS) printed within the boundaries of the denomination digit "5". Microprint on the reverse - alternating lines with the texts "ИВАН МИЛЕВ" (IVAN MILEV) and "1897 - 1927" form a stripe on the left side of the banknote; alternating lines with the texts "ИВАН МИЛЕВ" (IVAN MILEV) and "1897 - 1927" printed within the boundaries of the harvester's sleeve; the digit "5" under the harvester's hand. The obverse of the banknote features the embossed portrait, the texts "БЪЛГАРСКА НАРОДНА БАНКА", "ПЕТ ЛЕВА" (BULGARIAN NATIONAL BANK, FIVE LEVS), the digit of the denomination "5", the vignette, and the text "5 ЛЕВА" (5 LEVS) on the anti-copy stripe. Designation for blind people-two embossed triangles pointed upwards.
2 LEVS [ Close Window ] 1999
		An engraving of Pagisios of Chiliandar is the major item on the obverse side. The background depicts the Zografou Monastery on Mount Athos, the Monastery Seal, and the interior of Pagisios' monastic cell. Pagisios of Chiliandar (1722 - 1773), the man who kindled the spark of the Bulgarian National Revival, served in Holy Orders at the monastery of Chiliandar on Mount Athos. He authored the "Historiae Sclavo-Bulgaricus": the first work of modern Bulgarian letters and harbinger of Bulgarians' spiritual emancipation and national reawakening.
		The reverse sideshows a facsimile of the Zografou draft of the of the "Historiae Sclavo-Bulgaricus" with a list of Bulgarian rulers. This is overprinted with impressions of Tsar Kalogiannis Ring Seal and three seals with the images of Bulgarian Sovereigns Mihail Shishman, Svetoslav Terter and Tsar Ivan Asen II. The right side shows Hristofor Zhefarovich's lion rampant with the names of Bulgarian rulers from the First and Second Empires overprinted in microscopic lettering, Bottom right appears Bulgaria's Coat of Arms with three lions couchant, as published in the Gruenberg Heraldic Compendium of 1483.
Background - violet. Paper - 100% cotton, in blue tones. - 116 x 64 mm. Security Features Anti-copy Stripe - a hologram stripe consisting of rhomboid elements which change their colour when seen from different angles. Security Thread - a thread incorporated in the banknote paper with initials "БНБ" (BNB) appearing as a negative microprint. Watermark - a half-tone silhouette of a rampant lion. Fluorescence - elements of the pattern, serial numbers and fibres in the paper fluoresce under UV light. Transparent register element - when the banknote is held against the light the digit "2" is seen in a square checkered field. Microprint on the obverse - to the left of the portrait: the text "ПАИСИЙ ХИЛЕНДАРСКИ" (PAGISIOS OF CHILIANDAR); text "2 ЛЕВА" (2 LEVS) printed within the boundaries of the denomination digit "2"; vertical lines starting from the digit "2". Microprint on the reverse - The image of the lion features the names of Bulgarian tsars "ИВАН АЛЕКСАНДЪР МИХАИЛ III ШИШМАН" (IVAN ALEXANDER MIHAIL III SHISHMAN...). The obverse of the banknote features the embossed portrait, the texts "БЪЛГАРСКА НАРОДНА БАНКА", "ДВА ЛЕВА" (BULGARIAN NATIONAL BANK, TWO LEVS), the vignette, and the digit of the denomination "2" on the anti-copy stripe. Designation for blind people - two embossed rectangles.
1 LEV [ Close Window ] 1999
	The obverse of the banknote shows a 1789 icon depicting of Sveti Ivan Rilski from the Uspenie Bogorodichno (Assumption of Our Lady) Church in the Pchelino Postnica (Hermitage) near the Rila Monastery. Sveti Ivan Rilski (876 - 946) Bulgaria adopted Christianity as a national religion in AD864, and Ivan of Rila preached Christ's doctrine in mediaeval Bulgaria. Canonised soon after his death, he became patron of the monastery which emerged on the spot where he ended his earthly span. Today the Rila Monastery, over a thousand years old, houses the Saint's relics.
	The reverse of the banknote shows the main Monastery church set off by the cloister's open-air walkways.
Background colour - red. Paper - 100% cotton, in orange tones. Dimensions - 112 x 60 mm. Security Features Anti-copy Stripe - a hologram stripe consisting of rhomboid elements which change their colour when seen from different angles. Security Thread - a thread incorporated in the banknote paper with initials "БНБ" (BNB) appearing as a negative microprint. Watermark - a half-tone silhouette of a rampant lion. Fluorescence - elements of the pattern, serial numbers and fibres in the paper fluoresce under UV light. Microprint on the obverse - to the left of the portrait there are alternating lines with the texts: "ИВАН РИЛСКИ" (IVAN RILSKI) and "876 - 946"; the text "ЛЕВ" (LEV) in the right side of the element under the denomination digit "1". Microprint on the reverse - the text "ЕДИН ЛЕВ РИЛСКИ МАНАСТИР" (ONE LEV RILA MONASTERY) appearing in the middle of the upper side of the banknote; the text "ЛЕВ" (LEV) in the right side of the element under the denomination digit "1". The obverse of the banknote features the embossed portrait, the texts "БЪЛГАРСКА НАРОДНА БАНКА", "ЕДИН ЛЕВ" (BULGARIAN NATIONAL BANK, ONE LEV), the vignette, and the digit of the denomination "1" on the anti-copy stripe. Designation for blind people - an embossed triangle pointed upwards and a circle underneath. [Back to top of pageI Close Window I