5 Lei 1881 Romania, Bucharest mint, 90% silver Lettered on the edge with the phrase PATRIA SI DREPTUL MEU, (I'M LOYAL to MY COUNTRY). LEU, meaning "lion", came from the lion on the Dutch Taller which was the most accepted currency in Romania in the beginning of the 19-th century and had been recognized oficially in 1834. IIn 1867 when the first Romanian coins were issued the denomination of LEU was accepted. The first coin having the LEU denomination writen on it was issued in 1870.  It is also interesting to mention that Bulgarian Leva and the Albanian Leka means lion too. The obverse shows Carol I, King of Romania, 1881 being its first year as King. Carol I, original name Karl Eitel Friedrich (1839-1914), prince (1866-1881) and first king of Romania (1881-1914), born in Sigmaringen, Germany, and educated in Dresden and Bonn. A prince of the house of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen, he was elected (1866) prince of Romania, then a Turkish principality. During the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878, Carol supported Russia and proclaimed the independence of Romania, which was recognized by the Treaty of Berlin (1878). Carol was crowned king when Romania proclaimed itself a kingdom in 1881. He established a parliamentary form of government for the nation. During his reign, Romania took part in the Balkan Wars. Carol was succeeded by his nephew Ferdinand I.

Created 10/07/2000