1 Lev BGL Banknote (1986 ‘AЯ 86’ Foreign Exchange Issue) 1986

1 Lev Bulgarian Lev (Issued 1986)

During the mid-1980s, Bulgaria’s foreign exchange certificates represented a unique monetary instrument designed to facilitate international trade and currency management within the Eastern Bloc. The 1 Lev note issued in 1986 served as an official certificate of the Bulgarian National Bank, marked distinctly with the ‘АЯ 86’ designation that identified it as part of the foreign exchange series. This particular banknote class was essential for visitors and international transactions, allowing the Bulgarian state to control currency circulation whilst maintaining economic stability during the Cold War era. The certificate’s design reflected the formal governmental structures and national identity of the People’s Republic of Bulgaria at that time.

On the front, the banknote displays a cream and burgundy colour scheme with pronounced geometric guilloché patterns forming an ornate rectangular frame. The central text reads “НОМИНАЛЕН ЧЕК” (Nominal Certificate) in large serif capitals, with smaller Cyrillic text below indicating its purpose as a foreign exchange certificate. Twin circular rosette emblems appear in burgundy on either side of the note, each containing the numeral “1” alongside Cyrillic text reading “ЕДИН ЛЕВ” (One Lev). The word “България” (Bulgaria) is positioned prominently in the lower right section. At the top centre sits the Bulgarian coat of arms within an ornamental shield design. Horizontal and vertical ruled lines create a rigid, official appearance characteristic of formal banking documents. The serial number “1579291” is clearly printed in the lower right corner, whilst issuing bank details and signature spaces are visible across the middle register. Fine engraving work is evident throughout, with subtle cross-hatching providing dimensional depth to the security design.

The reverse of the banknote presents a largely plain cream-coloured surface, characteristic of the austere design philosophy of Eastern European financial certificates from this period. Minimal additional printing appears, with only faint marking traces visible across the otherwise stark paper field. This minimal reverse design was typical of foreign exchange certificates, which prioritised security features and official designations on the obverse rather than decorative imagery on the back.

Looking to exchange leftover currency? Your 1 Lev BGL banknote can be sold to Webuyallcurrency.com alongside other old or withdrawn Bulgarian Leva banknotes, turning spare money from a trip or collection into cash in one simple transaction.

• Indicate the quantity of 1 Lev Bulgarian Lev banknotes you want to exchange
• Click the ‘Add to your account’ button
• Your online account now shows the exchange value

Webuyallcurrency.com is a simple way to exchange or sell foreign coins and banknotes for cash — current or withdrawn — turning your Bulgarian Leva banknotes and any other leftover currency into one straightforward payout.