Numismatic issue - a silver coin celebrating 500 years from the establishment of the Râmnic Bishopric
16.09.2003
In virtue of Law No.101/1998-The NBR Act and of Romanian Government Ordinance No. 45/1998, as approved by Law No. 244/1998 on vesting the NBR with the power to put in circulation numismatic coins made of precious metals, the National Bank of Romania shall put into circulation starting 22 September 2003, a coin with face value of ROL 500 celebrating 500 years from the establishment of the Râmnic Bishopric.
Characteristics of the coin:
- shape: round;
- metal: silver;
- fineness: 999/1000;
- quality: proof;
- weight: 31.103 grams;
- edge: smooth;
- diameter: 37 mm.
The obverse exhibits on the upper side the inscription "ROMANIA", Romania's coat-of-arms and the face value of "500 LEI". The inscription "SFANTA EPISCOPIE A RAMNICULUI CTITORITA SUB RADU CEL MARE (1495-1508)" is engraved below on three rows, between two adornments. The inscription is bordered to the left by a stylised fish, symbol of Christianity, overlapped by the monogram of Jesus Christ, and to the right by the mitre of the Râmnic Bishopric. The year of issue, "2003" is engraved on the lower part of the obverse.
The reverse features the armorial emblem of the Râmnic Bishopric, with the image of Saint Calinic of Cernica, the founder of Râmnic Episcopal Cathedral in its centre. The inscription "500 ANI DE LA ÎNFIINTAREA EPISCOPIA RÂMNICULUI" is engraved circularly. The years "1503-2003" are inscribed on the lower part, between two cross-shaped adornments.
The silver coins encapsulated in transparent plastic cases are accompanied by authentication certificates (in Romanian and English) bearing the signature of both the Governor and the Head Cashier, as well as by a prospectus.
The issue to be sold both on domestic and foreign markets comprises 500 pieces.
The silver coins issued by the National Bank of Romania may be purchased by natural or legal entities for numismatic purposes pursuant to Art. 2 of Ordinance No. 45/1998 issued by the Government of Romania and approved by Law No. 244/1998.
The silver coins celebrating 500 years from the establishment of the Râmnic Bishopric are legal tender in Romania.
The design of the coins is protected by registration with the State Office of Trademarks in Romania. Forgery or counterfeiting of these coins is an infringement of the law and shall be penalised accordingly.