Coins of the Romanian leu

In 1867, copper 1, 2, 5 and 10 bani were issued, with gold 20 lei (known as poli after the French Napoleons) first minted the next year.

The production of coins ceased in 1914, recommencing in 1921 with aluminium 25 and 50 bani pieces.

In 1947, coins were issued before the abdication of King Michael I, in denominations of 50 bani, 1, 2 and 5 lei.

After the creation of the People's Republic, new coins were issued between 1948 and 1952, in denominations of 1, 2, 5 and 20 lei.

In 1952, coins were introduced in denominations of 1, 3, 5, 10 and 25 bani, with the 1, 3 and 5 struck in aluminium bronze and the others in cupro-nickel.

They were also made of poor material and could be occasionally found with bite marks.

This made it awkward to handle and difficult to use in slot machines, where it was frequently the only coin accepted.