IBNS Recognizes Romanian 100 Lei Banknote as the Best Commemorative Banknote of 2024 at a Joint Event with the National Bank of Romania
On Friday, March 21, 2025, the International Bank Note Society (IBNS), in collaboration with the National Bank of Romania (NBR), held a prestigious event in Bucharest to honor the Romanian 100 lei banknote of 2024, which received the “Best Commemorative Banknote of 2024” award. This special anniversary banknote, dedicated to the theme “185 years since the birth of King Carol I,” was recognized for its exceptional design and historical significance by the Ukrainian chapter of IBNS, which organized the competition. The ceremony, held at NBR headquarters, marked a significant moment of international cooperation and celebration in the world of numismatics.
Warm Reception at NBR
The event began at 11:30 a.m. when the IBNS delegation arrived through the protocol entrance of NBR on Eugeniu Carada Street, where they were warmly welcomed and escorted to the historic Old Board of Directors’ Hall. Meanwhile, the remaining participants, including guests and media representatives, entered through the main entrance on Doamnei Street, No. 8. In the elegant Alexandru Ottulescu Hall, they were greeted with refreshments, fostering an atmosphere of recognition and cultural exchange.
The IBNS delegation was led by Serhiy Trushyn, Regional Director for Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, and Vitalii Hashchak, President of the Ukrainian IBNS chapter, who traveled to Romania to personally present the award. They were joined by prominent Romanian IBNS members, including Cosmin Paltinescu, Secretary of the Romanian IBNS chapter; Bogdan Dragomir, a member of the Romanian IBNS chapter; Florin Demian, President of the “Pronumismatica” Association; Marius Roșca, a member of the Romanian IBNS chapter; and Ștefan Vasiliță, who also serves as an expert in the NBR’s Financial Education Department and Museum. This diverse group highlighted the strong ties between IBNS and Romania’s numismatic community.
The delegation was hosted by Mr. Mugur Isărescu, Governor of the National Bank of Romania, alongside key NBR representatives: Ms. Georgeta Rădulescu, General Manager of R.A. Imprimeria NBR and Chair of the Board of Directors; Mr. Cristian Popa, a member of the NBR Board of Directors; and Mr. Ion Nițu, Director of the Issuance, Treasury, and Cash Management Department. In a highlight of the ceremony, Governor Isărescu received the honorary “Best Commemorative Banknote of 2024” diploma from IBNS representatives, followed by an exchange of souvenirs and a group photo to commemorate the occasion.
Mugur Isărescu: A Legend of Romanian Economics
Mugur Isărescu, whose signature graces the 100 lei banknote of 2024, is one of the most prominent economic figures in modern Romania. Born on August 1, 1949, in Drăgășani, he graduated from the Academy of Economic Studies in Bucharest in 1971 and has since dedicated his life to the country’s economy and financial stability. Isărescu has served as Governor of the National Bank of Romania since September 1990, with the exception of a brief period from December 1999 to December 2000 when he was Romania’s Prime Minister. As of March 2025, he has led the NBR for over 33 years (with a break), making him one of the longest-serving central bank governors in the world. Interestingly, Isărescu is known not only as an economist but also as a winemaker—he owns a small vineyard in his native Drăgășani, where he produces wine under his own label, blending his passion for finance with a love for tradition.
The Second Signature: Ion Nițu
The second signature on the 100 lei banknote of 2024 belongs to Ion Nițu, Director of the NBR’s Issuance, Treasury, and Cash Management Department. Ion Nițu is a key figure in managing Romania’s currency circulation, responsible for the issuance and quality control of banknotes and coins. His role in creating this commemorative banknote underscores the technical expertise and precision that NBR invests in its currency projects. Nițu’s signature alongside Isărescu’s symbolizes the combination of strategic leadership and operational excellence within the bank.
Main Event: Honoring Excellence in Banknote Design
At 12:00 p.m., the delegation and guests moved to the Mitiță Constantinescu Hall for the official event, which lasted until 12:45 p.m. The program was dedicated to honoring the winning 100 lei banknote, commemorating King Carol I, Romania’s first monarch, whose legacy remains relevant 185 years after his birth. Produced by the National Bank of Romania’s printing house in collaboration with the Romanian State Mint, the banknote stood out in the Ukrainian IBNS chapter’s competition for its artistic value and historical narrative.
The event featured speeches by notable speakers:
- Cristian Popa, a member of the NBR Board of Directors, who emphasized the banknote’s significance in Romania’s monetary history.
- Serhiy Trushyn, IBNS Regional Director, who praised the global impact of commemorative banknotes and Romania’s contribution to the field.
- Georgeta Rădulescu, General Manager of the NBR printing house, who provided detailed insights into the craftsmanship and innovation behind the winning banknote’s design.
Attendees included representatives from the IBNS delegation, the National Bank of Romania’s printing house, the State Mint, members of the “Pronumismatica Romania” Association, and NBR officials. The press was also present, documenting the proceedings for a wider audience. Given the event’s international nature, the proceedings were conducted in Romanian with simultaneous translation into and from English, ensuring accessibility for all participants.
A Day of Celebration and Reflection
Following the official program, a cocktail reception took place from 12:45 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., allowing participants to mingle and reflect on the day’s significance. From 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., a guided tour of the NBR Museum offered a deeper dive into Romania’s rich financial and numismatic heritage. The event concluded at 2:30 p.m., with guests departing through Doamnei Street, No. 8.
A Milestone for Romania and IBNS
The recognition of the Romanian 100 lei banknote of 2024 as the Best Commemorative Banknote of 2024 underscores the National Bank of Romania’s commitment to excellence in currency design. The Ukrainian IBNS chapter’s competition, culminating in this joint event, showcased the spirit of collaboration within the global numismatic community. For Romania, this award honors not only a masterfully crafted banknote but also the enduring legacy of King Carol I, whose contributions to the nation’s development remain a source of pride.
IBNS congratulates the National Bank of Romania, its printing house, and all those involved in this remarkable achievement. The event on March 21, 2025, will be remembered as a milestone in the enduring partnership between IBNS and its Romanian counterparts, fostering shared appreciation for the art and history of banknotes worldwide.
