National Bank of Romania–LEI100 Banknote to mark 185 Years of the Birth of King Carol I

The commemorative LEI 100 banknote issued by the National Bank of Romania marks 185 years since the birth of King Carol I, a defining figure in the country’s modern history. Released on 1^st December 2024, the banknote brings together historical narrative, refined artistry, and advanced polymer security in a format designed for both public appreciation and long-term collectability.

Printed on GUARDIAN™ polymer substrate through close collaboration between The National Bank of Romania Printing Works and CCL Secure, the banknote measures 147 × 82 mm. The partnership combines substrate innovation with traditional security printing expertise, enabling precise alignment between polymer-based security elements and intaglio craftsmanship.

The obverse features a finely engraved portrait of King Carol I, accompanied by his signature, name, and lifespan. In the central field, the reverse of the insignia of the Order Steaua României (Star of Romania) appears alongside a battle scene from the War of Independence, reinforcing the King’s role in establishing Romanian sovereignty. These elements are framed by the national coat of arms, denomination inscriptions in multiple orientations, the name of the issuing authority, and the signatures of the Governor and Chief Cashier.

A complex transparent window forms the visual and security focal point of the obverse. Within it appears a multi-toned cameo portrait of King Carol I and the inscription “ROMÂNIA,” framed by a stylised representation of the Order Coroana României . The window integrates optically variable, metallic, and ultraviolet-responsive elements that enhance both visual impact and authentication.

The reverse presents a dignified architectural composition featuring the statue of King Carol I and Peleș Castle, with the Carol I Bridge at Cernavodă subtly integrated in the background. Issued as a collector banknote with a trilingual presentation leaflet, the LEI 100 commemorative note reflects the National Bank of Romania’s commitment to quality, heritage, and security excellence.

The commemorative LEI 100 banknote stands out for its coherent integration of advanced polymer security with a historically rich and symbolically layered design, resulting in a banknote that is both technically sophisticated and culturally resonant.

At the heart of this innovation is the complex transparent window, which combines multiple security technologies within a single, unified visual element. Rather than treating security as an applied addition, the window is designed as a central narrative device. The multi-toned portrait of King Carol I, national inscriptions readable from multiple orientations, metallic effects, optically variable inks, and ultraviolet-responsive imagery are all arranged within the symbolic framework of the Order Coroana României. This creates a feature that functions simultaneously as a primary security element, a design anchor, and a reference to national heritage.

The banknote also demonstrates innovation through the balanced use of polymer capabilities and traditional engraving techniques. Fine intaglio work provides tactility and depth to key historical motifs, while polymer technology enables transparency, colour-shifting effects, and dynamic visual behaviour that would not be possible on paper substrate.

From a commemorative perspective, the design avoids decorative symbolism in isolation. Instead, historical references—including the War of Independence, Peleș Castle, and Romania’s national orders—are embedded directly into the security architecture of the banknote. This ensures that the commemorative theme and the protective function of the note reinforce one another.

Through this approach, the LEI 100 commemorative banknote demonstrates how modern polymer innovation can elevate both security performance and cultural storytelling, without compromise.

The LEI 100 commemorative banknote demonstrates a highly disciplined integration of design, polymer substrate, printing techniques, and security features, resulting in a cohesive and intuitively authenticable collector issue. The approach reflects a close collaboration between The National Bank of Romania Printing Works and CCL Secure, ensuring that advanced polymer-based security features are fully aligned with traditional engraving and print craftsmanship.

At the substrate level, GUARDIAN™ polymer enables the creation of a complex transparent window that forms the structural and visual foundation of the banknote’s security strategy. Within this window, a CAMEO™ portrait of King Carol I and national inscriptions are integrated, reinforcing both authenticity and commemorative symbolism. The transparency and clarity of the polymer allow these elements to remain sharply defined while maintaining visual continuity across both sides of the note.

Metallic and optically dynamic effects are embedded directly into symbolic design elements. METALIX™, enhances the insignia of national orders with a brilliant metallic sheen that responds clearly to movement, while G-SWITCH™ colour-shifting ink introduces controlled transitions between blue and green tones as the note is tilted. These effects are positioned to complement engraved motifs rather than distract from them.

Selective use of VIVID™ COLOUR introduces ultraviolet-responsive imagery like the Crown of Romania that shows as a CAMEO under normal lighting, preserving the banknote’s dignified appearance while adding a discreet second level of authentication. Additional iridescent details, created using IRISWITCH™, appear subtle when viewed straight on and develop a pearlescent sheen when tilted, reinforcing depth and movement within the background composition.

Traditional intaglio printing adds tactile relief to portraits, inscriptions, and architectural features, while offset printing provides layered backgrounds and smooth colour transitions. While CCL Secure feature has a defined visual and functional role. Together, they create a banknote that is secure, coherent, and accessible—where security enhances the design narrative.

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The commemorative LEI 100 banknote issued by the National Bank of Romania marks 185 years since the birth of King Carol I, one of the most influential figures in the country’s modern history. The banknote serves as both a numismatic tribute and a visual narrative that reflects King Carol I’s role in shaping Romania’s sovereignty, institutions, and national identity.

The design places King Carol I at its centre, featuring his portrait, signature, and lifespan, supported by powerful historical references. Scenes from the War of Independence, national orders, and iconic landmarks such as Peleș Castle reinforce the King’s legacy as a unifying leader during a formative period for the Romanian state. These elements ensure that the commemorative purpose of the banknote is immediately clear and historically grounded.

The use of polymer technology enhances the storytelling without overshadowing it. A complex transparent window incorporates the King’s portrait and national inscriptions within symbolic references to Romania’s orders of merit, creating a focal point that connects historical significance with contemporary banknote craftsmanship. Subtle metallic, colour-shifting, and ultraviolet elements enrich the presentation while preserving the dignity appropriate to a commemorative issue.

The project also reflects a successful collaboration between The National Bank of Romania Printing Works and CCL Secure, combining traditional engraving excellence with modern polymer substrate innovation to realise the National Bank of Romania’s commemorative vision.

With a strictly limited print run of 30,000 banknotes, controlled distribution through selected regional branches, and an accompanying trilingual presentation leaflet, the issue balances exclusivity with public accessibility. Overall, the LEI 100 commemorative banknote stands as a thoughtful and respectful celebration of King Carol I’s 185th anniversary—one that preserves historical memory while demonstrating Romania’s continued commitment to quality, security, and cultural heritage.

Limited Circulation/Commemorative Banknote Image