Ready for a fresh start in 2026? This Thursday, January 1, Bulgaria will officially adopt the euro, and with it comes a set of stunning coin designs that celebrate the nation's rich heritage. 🇧🇬✨
Instead of blank faces, these coins showcase three iconic figures already familiar to anyone who's handled the lev – Bulgaria's currency since 1881 (and named after an old word for "lion"). Here's a quick tour:
🐎 The Madara Rider (1–50 cents)
Carved into a cliff near Madara village in the 8th century, this rock relief shows a knight victorious over a lion. It's been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979 and now graces the copper coins we use every day.
🙇♂️ John of Rila (1 euro)
Meet Bulgaria's patron saint, John of Rila (c. 876–946). Legend says he lived as a hermit in a mighty tree hollow before founding the famous Rila Monastery. His face will shine on the silver-colored 1-euro coins.
📜 Paisius of Hilandar (2 euros)
On the 2-euro piece, you'll find Paisius of Hilandar (1722–c. 1773), the Mount Athos monk who wrote a key text of Bulgaria's national revival. Flip it over, and the edge reads "God protect Bulgaria."
These designs are more than just currency art – they're pocket-sized history lessons, blending ancient rock art, spiritual icons, and literary legacy into coins that'll travel across Europe. 💸🌍
Pin this for your next trivia night: Bulgaria's euro coins start circulating on January 1, 2026. Which design are you most excited to spot? 🤔💬
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
