# Romanian Leu

> currency of Romania

**Wikidata**: [Q131645](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q131645)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romanian_leu)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/romanian-leu

## Summary
The Romanian Leu is the official currency of Romania, serving as the generally accepted medium of exchange for goods and services within the country. It is a currency unit that was originally established on April 22, 1867, and underwent a significant revaluation on July 1, 2005. The currency is managed by the National Bank of Romania and is identified by the aliases RON, L, and Leu românesc.

## Key Facts
- The Romanian Leu is the official currency of Romania, a country in Southeast Europe.
- It is classified as a currency unit and functions as a generally accepted medium of exchange for goods and services.
- The currency has two primary start times: the original inception on April 22, 1867, and a revaluation date on July 1, 2005.
- Common aliases for the currency include RON, L, and Leu românesc.
- The National Bank of Romania, established in April 1880, serves as the central bank responsible for the currency.
- The Romanian Leu has been utilized through several historical state periods, including the Kingdom of Romania (1881–1947), the Romanian People's Republic (1947–1965), and the Socialist Republic of Romania (1965–1989).
- Romania, the country of origin, officially came into existence on January 24, 1859.
- The currency is related to the "lion thaler," a historical monetary item.
- Romania is a member state of the European Union, a political and economic union established on November 1, 1993.
- Transylvania, a historical region in the northwestern part of Romania, is located within the area where the currency is used.

## FAQs
**What is the Romanian Leu?**
The Romanian Leu is the official currency of Romania and a standard unit of value used as a medium of exchange for goods and services.

**When was the Romanian Leu introduced?**
The currency was originally established on April 22, 1867, and later underwent a revaluation on July 1, 2005.

**Who issues the Romanian Leu?**
The National Bank of Romania, which was established in April 1880, acts as the central bank and the issuing authority for the currency.

**What are the alternative names for the Romanian Leu?**
The currency is recognized by the aliases RON, L, and Leu românesc.

**In which countries is the Romanian Leu used?**
It is the official currency of Romania, a Southeast European nation that includes historical regions such as Transylvania.

## Why It Matters
The Romanian Leu is essential to the economic infrastructure of Romania, facilitating trade and commerce as the primary medium of exchange. Its history, spanning from the 19th century through the Kingdom era, the communist regimes of the Romanian People's Republic and Socialist Republic of Romania, and into the modern era, mirrors the political and social evolution of the nation. The 2005 revaluation represents a critical modernization effort to stabilize the economy. As the currency managed by the National Bank of Romania, it remains a key instrument of monetary policy within the context of the European Union.

## Notable For
- Originating in 1867, making it a long-standing currency in Southeast Europe.
- Undergoing a specific revaluation event on July 1, 2005.
- Maintaining continuity through multiple distinct political eras, including the Kingdom of Romania, the Romanian People's Republic, and the Socialist Republic of Romania.
- Being associated with the "lion thaler," a historical form of currency.
- Having the specific aliases "RON," "L," and "Leu românesc."

## Body

### Classification and Function
The Romanian Leu is defined fundamentally as a currency unit, which serves as a standard unit of money used as a generally accepted medium of exchange for goods and services. It is identified by several aliases, including RON, L, and Leu românesc. The entity is classified within the broader category of currency, distinguishing it as a specific financial instrument utilized for transactions.

### Historical Timeline and Evolution
The history of the Romanian Leu is marked by specific dates and political transitions. The currency's initial inception occurred on April 22, 1867. It has served as the legal tender during the existence of the Kingdom of Romania, a state that existed from March 14, 1881, to 1947. Following this period, the currency remained in use through the era of the Romanian People's Republic, a historic state that began on December 30, 1947, and lasted until 1965. Subsequently, it was the currency of the Socialist Republic of Romania, which existed from August 21, 1965, to 1989. In the modern era, the currency underwent a significant revaluation on July 1, 2005. The Romanian Leu is also historically related to the "lion thaler."

### Issuing Authority and Geography
The National Bank of Romania serves as the central bank responsible for the Romanian Leu. This institution was established in April 1880 and is headquartered in Romania. The currency is utilized throughout Romania, a country in Southeast Europe that officially came into existence on January 24, 1859. The geographic scope of the currency includes historical regions within the country, such as Transylvania, located in the northwestern part of Romania. Romania is also a member of the European Union, a political and economic union of 27 European states that was established on November 1, 1993.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.istorie-pe-scurt.ro/istoria-leului-de-unde-vine-denumirea-de-leu/)
2. Nuovo soggettario
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. Integrated Authority File
5. [Source](http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2025/1160/oj)
6. FactGrid
7. GF WordNet