100 Lei ROL #436

Front

The Romanian Athenaeum (Ateneul Român) in Bucharest, one of Romania's most iconic concert halls and cultural landmarks. Designed by French architect Albert Galleron, it was inaugurated in 1888 and serves as the home of the George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra. The neoclassical building with its distinctive dome is a symbol of Romanian culture and appears on this note as the primary architectural motif. The inscription 'REPUBLICA POPULARĂ ROMÂNĂ' at top (actually 'REPUBLICĂ POPULARĂ' appears worn) and 'UNA SUTA LEI' (One Hundred Lei) at bottom frame the building.

Back

Mihai Eminescu (1850-1889), Romania's national poet and a central figure of Romanian literature. Born Mihail Eminovici, he is considered the most important and influential Romanian poet of the 19th century, known for his romantic and philosophical works including 'Luceafărul' (The Evening Star). His portrait appears on numerous Romanian banknotes honoring his contribution to Romanian culture and language. The design includes floral motifs and the denomination '1000 lei UNA MIE' with the text 'BANCA NAȚIONALĂ A ROMÂNIEI' at top and the year 1998 visible at left.

History

This 100 lei note belongs to the 1998 series issued by the National Bank of Romania during the period of the old Romanian leu (ROL) before the 2005 currency reform. The old leu suffered severe hyperinflation throughout the 1990s following the collapse of communism, requiring the issuance of increasingly high denominations. On July 1, 2005, Romania redenominated its currency at a rate of 10,000 old lei (ROL) to 1 new leu (RON). The 1998 series remained in circulation until this redenomination. The pairing of Eminescu with the Athenaeum reflects Romania's cultural pride during the post-communist transition period.