1 BGN #93

Front

State coat of arms of the People's Republic of Bulgaria featuring a lion rampant within a wreath of wheat, topped by a red star, dated 1944 at the base. This emblem was adopted after the communist government came to power in September 1944 and symbolizes socialist Bulgaria. The denomination is rendered prominently in both numerals and Cyrillic text ('Един Лев', meaning 'One Lev').

Back

The Madara Rider, an early medieval rock relief carved into the Madara Plateau in northeastern Bulgaria circa 710 CE, depicting a horseman spearing a lion. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Bulgaria's most significant historical monuments, created during the First Bulgarian Empire under Khan Tervel. The relief has become a national symbol representing Bulgarian state power and continuity from antiquity through the medieval period.

History

This note belongs to the socialist-era currency series issued by the Bulgarian National Bank during the communist period (1946–1989). The 1974 series featured socialist state emblems and national historical monuments, reflecting both ideological messaging and cultural heritage. The lev remained Bulgaria's currency throughout the communist period and continues today, though the 1974 series was withdrawn and replaced following democratic reforms. These notes were demonetized in 1999 during a currency redenomination that introduced the 'new lev' at a rate of 1000:1.