Currencies/Moldovan ban
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Introduction
The ban is the fractional monetary unit of the Republic of Moldova. It appears on Moldovan coins issued since the introduction of the modern Moldovan leu in 1993. As a centesimal subunit, the ban is used for small-value transactions and everyday pricing.
History
The Moldovan leu, together with its subunit the ban, was introduced on 29 November 1993 following the dissolution of the Soviet ruble zone. The reform replaced the temporary cupon currency and established Moldova’s independent monetary system under the National Bank of Moldova. Since its reintroduction, the ban has appeared in multiple circulation coin series, adjusting designs and compositions as Moldova’s monetary system evolved.
Coins
Coins denominated in bani have been issued continuously since 1993. They circulate in several denominations (1, 5, 10, 25, 50 bani) and are used for low-value transactions. Over the years, coins have been produced in aluminium, nickel-plated steel, or brass-plated steel, depending on the issue period. All Moldovan coins carry inscriptions using the Latin alphabet and feature national motifs selected by the National Bank of Moldova.
Currency
The ban functions as the standard fractional division of the Moldovan leu. The official conversion is
1 leu = 100 bani
The ban is an integral part of Moldova’s contemporary monetary system and remains in active use across all sectors of the economy.
Legacy
The bani coinage introduced in 1993 represents Moldova’s first independent monetary identity after the Soviet era. Although inflation has reduced the purchasing power of the lowest denominations, bani coins continue to serve essential roles in cash transactions, pricing structure, and public familiarity with the leu.