Romania New 100 Lei Polymer Commemorative - Honouring Eugeniu Carada
Romania Introduces New 100 Lei Polymer Commemorative Banknote Honouring Eugeniu Carada
The National Bank of Romania has announced the release of a new commemorative collector banknote dedicated to Eugeniu Carada (1836–1910), one of the founders of the National Bank of Romania. The issue marks the 190th anniversary of his birth.
Entering the numismatic circuit from September 14, 2026, the commemorative issue consists of a 100 lei polymer banknote along with a special presentation sheet containing four commemorative banknotes.
The new banknote measures 147 × 82 mm, matching the dimensions of Romania's circulating 100 lei banknote. Predominantly blue in colour, it is produced on polymer substrate using a combination of offset and intaglio printing techniques. One of its most distinctive features is a complex vertical transparent window incorporating a multitone portrait and optically variable magnetic ink.
Design Features
The obverse features a portrait and signature of Eugeniu Carada, along with his name and life dates, 1836–1910. The design also incorporates an image of the Counter Hall of the Old Palace of the National Bank of Romania, together with decorative elements including an eagle and an ornamented shield carrying the BNR logo.
The Romanian coat of arms, the name of the National Bank of Romania, and multiple representations of the denomination are also included. The release date, September 14, 2026, appears vertically on the right side of the note.
The reverse features the Old Palace of the National Bank of Romania, while the Board Room of the institution appears in the background. The design also includes the denomination in both numerals and words, the BNR logo, serial numbering, and a range of decorative and security elements.
Advanced Security Features
As expected from a modern polymer commemorative issue, the new 100 lei note incorporates an extensive range of security features. These include a complex transparent window containing a multitone portrait of Eugeniu Carada, ultraviolet-reactive elements, filigree-style details, a magnetic security thread with microtext, optically variable SPARK® ink, tactile intaglio printing, laser microperforations, microtext, latent images, anti-scanner and anti-copy features, and ultraviolet-reactive serial numbering.
Several elements change colour from gold to green when viewed at different angles, while others become visible under ultraviolet light or when the note is illuminated from the reverse side.
Issue and Presentation
The individual commemorative banknotes are presented with an informational leaflet available in Romanian, English and French. The special sheet containing four notes is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity, with both presented in a personalised envelope.
Although issued primarily for collectors and introduced through Romania's numismatic programme, the commemorative 100 lei banknotes also have legal tender status within Romania.
The approved mintage for the issue is limited to:
- 16,000 individual commemorative 100 lei banknotes
- 1,000 special sheets, each containing four commemorative banknotes
The individual banknote is priced at 240 lei, including VAT and the presentation leaflet, while the special sheet of four banknotes is priced at 840 lei, including VAT and the certificate of authenticity.
Sales are scheduled to begin on September 15, 2026, through selected regional branches of the National Bank of Romania, including Bucharest, Cluj, Constanța, Dolj, Iași and Timiș.
With its striking polymer design, detailed architectural imagery and extensive security features, this new issue represents another noteworthy addition to Romania's modern commemorative banknote programme. The relatively limited mintage and availability of both an individual note and a special four-note presentation sheet are likely to make this release particularly interesting for collectors of modern polymer and commemorative world banknotes.
Source: National Bank of Romania
