Romania’s central bank to issue limited-edition 100-leu anniversary note

Romania’s National Bank will issue a limited-edition 100-leu commemorative banknote dedicated to Eugeniu Carada, one of the founders of the institution. The numismatic issue marks 190 years since Carada’s birth and will enter the bank’s collection circuit on September 14, 2026. Sales will begin the following day.

The predominantly blue note uses a polymer substrate and the same dimensions as the 100-leu banknote currently in circulation. It combines offset and raised printing and includes a complex vertical transparent window with a multitone portrait and an OVMI Spark feature.

Carada’s portrait and signature appear on the front, alongside his name and the years 1836-1910. The central image shows the Hall of Counters in the Old Palace of the National Bank of Romania. An eagle and an ornamented shield bearing the BNR logo are layered over the image. The note also carries Romania’s coat of arms, the bank’s name, its logo medallion and the signatures of the governor and central cashier.

Although the face value is 100 lei, the commemorative note will sell for 240 lei, including VAT. A special sheet of four notes will cost 840 lei and include a certificate of authenticity. The bank approved 16,000 individual notes and 1,000 special sheets. Both formats will be sold in personalized envelopes through the BNR’s regional branches in Bucharest, Cluj, Constanța, Dolj, Iași and Timiș. The commemorative notes will remain legal tender in Romania.