# Bulgarian lev > currency of Bulgaria from 1880 to 2025 (iso: BGN) **Wikidata**: [Q172540](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q172540) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulgarian_lev) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/bulgarian-lev ## Summary The Bulgarian lev (ISO code: BGN) was the official currency of Bulgaria from 1880 to 2025. It is set to be replaced by the euro in 2026. ## Key Facts - The Bulgarian lev has been in use since June 4, 1880. - It is primarily associated with the country of Bulgaria. - The currency was used continuously until its scheduled replacement by the euro in 2026. - The lev is classified as a national currency that was succeeded by the euro, which is the currency of most European Union countries including Bulgaria. - The lev had several ISO codes over time: BGJ, BGK, BGL, and BGN. - The lev is tied to historical Bulgarian state entities such as the Principality of Bulgaria (1878–1908) and the Kingdom of Bulgaria (1908–1946), as well as the People's Republic of Bulgaria (1946–1990). - The currency originated in Bulgaria and was used throughout its history, particularly from 1880 onward. - The lev is set to be replaced by the euro on or before January 1, 2026. - The lev is connected to several geographic locations including Klisura, Veselina, Bardeni, and Koritata, all of which are located in Bulgaria. - The lev is also historically linked to the European Union, as Bulgaria became a member of the EU, triggering the eventual replacement of the lev with the euro. ## FAQs ### What is the history of the Bulgarian lev? The Bulgarian lev was introduced on June 4, 1880, and served as the official currency of Bulgaria for over a century. It was used during various periods of Bulgarian history, including under the Principality of Bulgaria, the Kingdom of Bulgaria, and the People's Republic of Bulgaria. ### Why is the lev being replaced? The lev is being replaced by the euro as part of Bulgaria's integration into the European Union, which it joined in 2007. The changeover is scheduled for 2026. ### What are some key dates related to the Bulgarian lev? The lev was introduced on June 4, 1880, and its usage ended in 2025, with full replacement expected in 2026. ### What is the connection between the Bulgarian lev and the euro? The euro is the currency that succeeded the lev in most EU countries, including Bulgaria, which is transitioning from the lev to the euro as part of its EU membership obligations. ### What are the different forms or codes of the Bulgarian lev? The lev has had several ISO codes over time, including BGN, BGL, BGK, and BGJ, reflecting its various historical forms and denominations. ### What countries or regions used the lev? The lev was primarily used in Bulgaria and its historical states, including the Principality of Bulgaria, the Kingdom of Bulgaria, and the People's Republic of Bulgaria. ## Why It Matters The Bulgarian lev played a central role in the economic life of Bulgaria for over a century. It was the national currency through multiple political regimes, including the Kingdom of Bulgaria and the People's Republic of Bulgaria. Its replacement by the euro in 2026 marks a significant shift in Bulgaria’s monetary policy and integration into the European Union. The lev’s long-standing use reflects the country's economic and political evolution, and its replacement underscores Bulgaria's alignment with European economic structures. ## Notable For - Longest-serving national currency of Bulgaria (1880–2026) - Represented the economic identity of Bulgaria through multiple historical periods - Tied to the country's political transitions from the Principality, Kingdom, and People's Republic of Bulgaria - Used in key Bulgarian cities like Klisura, Veselina, and Bardeni - Directly influenced by the European Union's monetary policies leading to its replacement ## Body ### History The Bulgarian lev was introduced on June 4, 1880, and became the official currency of Bulgaria. It was used through several political regimes, including the Principality of Bulgaria (1878–1908), the Kingdom of Bulgaria (1908–1946), and the People's Republic of Bulgaria (1946–1990). The lev was deeply embedded in the economic and political life of the nation, serving as the national currency for over 120 years. ### Ecosystem The lev was used in various Bulgarian cities, including: - Klisura, a city in Karlovo municipality, Plovdiv oblast - Veselina, a village in Loznitsa municipality, Razgrad oblast - Bardeni, a village in Tryavna municipality, Gabrovo oblast - Koritata, a village in Rudozem municipality, Smolyan oblast These places, along with others, reflect the deep regional integration of the lev in Bulgarian society and economy. ### Related Projects and Entities The lev is tied to several historical Bulgarian states: - **Principality of Bulgaria** (1878–1908) - **Kingdom of Bulgaria** (1908–1946) - **People's Republic of Bulgaria** (1946–1990) These entities used the lev as their national currency, and it was replaced in 2026 by the euro, which is now the official currency in most European Union countries. ### Community and Integration Bulgaria joined the European Union in 2007. As part of its integration, the country began preparing for the adoption of the euro. The lev, once central to Bulgarian identity, is now being phased out in favor of the EU’s common currency, the euro, by 2026. ### Relevance to the European Union The European Union, a political and economic union of 27 European states, influenced the decision to replace the lev with the euro. This transition reflects the broader economic integration of Bulgaria into the EU framework and the need to standardize the currency across member states. ### Related Currencies and Replacements The lev was succeeded by the euro, which is now the official currency in most EU countries, including Bulgaria. The euro transition is expected to be completed by 2026. The lev, once the national currency of Bulgaria, is now being replaced as part of this broader economic alignment. ## References 1. [Source](http://www.istorie-pe-scurt.ro/istoria-leului-de-unde-vine-denumirea-de-leu/) 2. ISO 4217 3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 4. [Source](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/DE/TXT/?uri=CELEX:31998Y1231(01)) 5. [Source](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/DE/TXT/?uri=CELEX:C2020/244/01) 6. FactGrid 7. GF WordNet