Romania 1932 100 lei
This specimen was lot 39604 in Stack's Bowers Winter sale (Baltimore, November 2015), where it sold for $282. The catalog description[1] noted, "ROMANIA. 100 Lei, 1932. London Mint. NGC MS-64. A high mintage type, with ample survivors to provide multiple opportunities to acquire the coin, but with virtually no chance of ever finding one in high mint state condition. Yet here it is, an example in exquisite condition! A single bag mark behind the head in the left obverse field is the only detriment preventing the coin from achieving superb gem status. Lightly toned with an exceptional amount of luster given its 0.500 fine alloy." This is the first issue of this denomination struck since a gold issue of 1906. The next issue, in 1936, would be issued in nickel. Romania fell into the Nazi orbit during World War Two and the monarchy was abolished shortly thereafter.
Recorded mintage: 2,000,000 struck in Paris plus 16,400,000 struck in London plus a few proofs.
Specification: 14 g, 0.500 fine silver, 31 mm diameter.
Catalog reference: KM-52.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- [1]Ponterio, Richard, and Todd McKenna, The November 2015 Baltimore Auction, World Coins and Paper Money, featuring the Ray Czabor Collection and selections from the Strong Museum, Santa Ana, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2015.
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