Bulgaria 2 Leva Banknote – Saint Paisius of Hilendar & Bulgarian Heritage (1999 Issue) Pick# 115a | Numista# 201676
Issued by the Bulgarian National Bank in 1999, the 2 Leva banknote (Pick 115a) honors Saint Paisius of Hilendar, a revered historian and monk whose writings helped spark Bulgaria’s national revival. This note is part of the Fourth Lev series and reflects Bulgaria’s cultural pride and historical depth during its post-communist transition. Though demonetized in 2020, it remains a popular collectible for those interested in Eastern European history and religious heritage.
Design Highlights
Obverse: Features a portrait of Paisius of Hilendar (1722–1773), set against a background depicting the Zografou Monastery on Mount Athos, the Monastery Seal, and the interior of Paisius’s monastic cell. The note includes inscriptions in Cyrillic and showcases fine engraving and historical symbolism.
Reverse: Displays a facsimile of the Zografou draft of Istoriya Slavyanobolgarskaya (Slavonic-Bulgarian History), along with seals of Bulgarian rulers including Tsar Kaloyan, Mihail Shishman, Svetoslav Terter, and Ivan Asen II. Also featured is Hristofor Zhefarovich’s crowned lion rampant and Bulgaria’s historic coat of arms as published in 1483.
Color Scheme: Violet and red tones with multicolored underprint, offering a regal and historically rich aesthetic.
Key Specifications
Feature Description
Country Bulgaria
Issuer Bulgarian National Bank
Series Fourth Lev Series
Pick Number P# 115a
Denomination 2 Leva
Size 116 × 64 mm
Material Paper
Watermark Rampant lion
Security Features Watermark, UV elements, microtext, security thread
Printer Printing Works of the Bulgarian National Bank, Sofia
Year of Issue 1999
Demonetized 31 December 2020
Why Collect This Note
The 1999 Bulgaria 2 Leva note is a beautifully crafted tribute to national identity and historical scholarship, making it ideal for:
Collectors of Eastern European and post-communist currency
Enthusiasts of religious and cultural history
Gifts for historians, educators, or those with Bulgarian heritage
Whether admired for its scholarly symbolism, artistic detail, or historical depth, this note is a meaningful addition to any Bulgaria, Balkan, or world currency collection.
