The Romania 1 Leu banknote, dated 1 July 2005 and designated as P117a, is a notable addition to any currency collection. Here's an overview of this banknote:
1. **Denomination and Currency**: The banknote carries a denomination of 1 Leu, which is the official currency of Romania. The Leu is abbreviated as RON (Romanian New Leu) and replaced the previous currency, the Romanian Leu (ROL), in 2005.
2. **Date of Issue**: The banknote was issued on 1 July 2005, coinciding with the introduction of the new Romanian New Leu currency. This marked a significant monetary reform aimed at stabilizing the country's economy and aligning with European Union standards.
3. **Material and Design**: The banknote is made of polymer, a durable and secure substrate commonly used in modern banknotes. It features intricate designs and security features to prevent counterfeiting. The obverse side likely showcases notable landmarks, symbols, or figures representing Romanian culture and heritage, possibly including images of monasteries as mentioned.
4. **Condition**: The banknote is described as UNC (Uncirculated), indicating that it is in pristine condition, without any signs of wear from circulation. UNC banknotes are highly sought after by collectors due to their crispness and originality.
5. **Monastery Theme**: The inclusion of monastery imagery on the banknote reflects Romania's rich cultural and religious heritage. Monasteries hold significant historical and architectural importance in Romania, making them fitting symbols for inclusion on the country's currency.
6. **Collectible Value**: Banknotes from the introduction of a new currency series, such as the Romanian New Leu, are often sought after by collectors for their historical significance and unique design elements. The 1 Leu banknote, being part of this transition, holds particular appeal to collectors of Romanian currency and polymer banknotes.
Overall, the Romania 1 Leu (1 July 2005) banknote featuring a monastery motif is a noteworthy addition to any collection, offering both historical insight into Romania's currency reforms and aesthetic appeal with its intricate design.
