PHOTO, VIDEO // National Bank of Moldova launches commemorative coin “Ion Pelivan – 150th anniversary of birth”

The National Bank of Moldova (BNM) today is putting into circulation a commemorative coin, “Ion Pelivan – 150th anniversary of birth”, which completes the “Personalities” series. The coin is made of silver and has a face value of 50 lei.

On 1 April 2026, the 150th anniversary of birth of Ion Pelivan (1876–1954) is marked. He was a prominent figure of the national liberation movement in Bessarabia and one of the promoters of the unionist current in the Sfatul Țării (Council of the Country – legislative body). Pelivan played a decisive role in the historical process that led to the Union of 1918. Ion Pelivan belongs to the “golden generation” of Bessarabia, contributing through his political, educational and cultural activity, to the assertion of national identity and the consolidation of the ideal of reunification.

The commemorative coin was minted in a mintage of 500 pieces. The graphic design is signed by artist Georgeta Vrabie. Each piece is packed in a transparent methacrylate capsule and a presentation box, and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity signed by BNM Governor Anca Dragu.

“Through this numismatic issue, we bring back into the present a symbol of courage and determination, who contributed decisively to the affirmation of national identity. Ion Pelivan embodies the generation that had the strength to turn an ideal into reality. Through such initiatives, the BNM leverages historical memory as a defining reference point, capable of inspiring responsibility, unity and trust in the European path of Moldova,” underlined Anca Dragu.

The certificate includes a QR code that provides direct access to detailed information on the characteristics of the coin, available on the institution’s official website.

The commemorative coins are sold to the general public by the BNM, based on online requests submitted in the Coin section on its official website, as well as through licensed banks of Moldova. The banks may independently set the selling price, provided they respect a maximum ceiling of 3 per cent above the level set by the BNM.