The Romanian Leu gets its name from the Romanian word for “lion,” which historically referred to the Dutch thaler, a coin featuring a lion that circulated in Romania during the 17th century. However, the most transformative period in its history occurred post-2005 when Romania redenominated its currency, essentially “slashing” four zeros off the Leu. This move aimed to simplify financial transactions and align with European Union standards in anticipation of future EU integration.

The Leu has been involved in several fascinating numismatic developments. For instance, Romania was the first country to introduce banknotes made entirely out of polymer, starting in 1999. These polymer notes, appreciated for their durability and security features, have since inspired other countries to adopt similar innovations. This unique stride in currency technology highlights Romania’s progressive approach to monetary policy.