Moldova 10 Lei Stephen the Great 1992 Pick 7 UNC Banknote
The Moldova 10 Lei 1992 Pick 7 is one of the earliest national banknotes issued following Moldova’s independence from the Soviet Union.
Printed in predominantly brown and cream tones, the note measures 123 × 60 mm and combines two important symbols of Moldovan history: Ștefan cel Mare, one of the country’s most celebrated rulers, and Soroca Fortress, a historic defensive stronghold on the Dniester River. Koguja.ee
The note carries the signature of Leonid Talmaci, the first Governor of the National Bank of Moldova. Numista
Historical Background
Moldova declared independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, creating the need for its own national monetary institutions and currency.
The first Leu banknote series was extremely compact, consisting of only 1, 5 and 10 Lei denominations. The 10 Lei P-7 therefore represents the highest denomination of Moldova’s first Leu banknote series. Wikipedia
All three denominations featured Stephen the Great, reinforcing the connection between the newly independent republic and its historical Moldavian heritage.
This first series was short-lived and was replaced by a more elaborate generation of Moldovan banknotes beginning in the 1990s.
Technical Specifications
- Country: Moldova
- Denomination: 10 Lei
- Year: 1992
- Pick Number: P-7
- Condition: Uncirculated (UNC)
- Issuer: National Bank of Moldova
- Currency: Moldovan Leu (MDL)
- Material: Paper
- Dimensions: 123 × 60 mm
- Dominant Colours: Brown and cream
- Portrait: Ștefan cel Mare (Stephen the Great)
- Reverse: Soroca Fortress
- Signature: Leonid Talmaci
- Type: Standard circulation banknote
- Status: Demonetized Koguja.ee
Obverse
The obverse features:
- Portrait of Ștefan cel Mare
- Coat of Arms of Moldova
- National Bank of Moldova inscription
- 10 Lei / Zece Lei denomination
- Date 1992
- Governor’s signature
- Decorative geometric elements
The portrait of Stephen the Great became one of the defining visual elements of Moldovan currency and continued to appear on later generations of the country’s Leu banknotes. Numista
Reverse
The reverse features:
- Cetatea Soroca – Soroca Fortress
- 10 Lei denomination
- Republic of Moldova inscription
- Traditional ornamental elements
Soroca Fortress is one of Moldova’s best-known historic fortifications. Situated on the Dniester River, the fortress formed part of the defensive system of medieval Moldavia.
Its inclusion alongside Stephen the Great gives the banknote a strong connection with the country’s medieval history. The identification of the fortress on P-7 is confirmed by specialist catalogues. Koguja.ee
Who Was Stephen the Great?
Ștefan cel Mare (Stephen III of Moldavia, c. 1433–1504) ruled Moldavia from 1457 until 1504.
His long reign was marked by military campaigns and efforts to maintain Moldavian independence amid pressure from powerful neighbouring states, particularly the Ottoman Empire, Poland and Hungary.
He became one of the central historical figures of Moldovan and Romanian history and remains strongly associated with Moldovan national identity.
His importance is particularly evident in the country’s currency: rather than disappearing after this first 1992 series, his portrait continued to serve as the principal personality depicted on subsequent Moldovan Leu banknotes. The National Bank of Moldova still uses his portrait on modern denominations. Banca Națională a Moldovei
Why Add This Banknote to Your Collection?
The Moldova 10 Lei Stephen the Great 1992 Pick 7 UNC banknote is especially interesting as a currency from the formative period of independent Moldova.
It is particularly suitable for collectors of Moldovan banknotes, post-Soviet currencies, European notes, medieval rulers, fortresses on banknotes and independence-era currency.
