History, features, and numismatic value
The 1 lev coin from 1941 belongs to the reign of Boris III (King of Bulgaria from 1918–1943) and is part of the wartime issues of the Second World War. Despite its simple appearance, it is a piece with historical importance and an active collectors’ market. Below is a detailed description and an estimate of its numismatic value.
Description and physical specifications
- Year / Type: 1941 — 1 Lev (First Lev).
- Ruler: Boris III.
- Metal / Composition: Iron (circulation coins of this period were made of iron due to wartime material restrictions).
- Weight: 3.00 g.
- Diameter: 20.0 mm.
- Thickness: ~1.54 mm (catalogue value).
- Edge: Reeded.
- Mint: Struck in Berlin (Germany) — production was outsourced due to wartime circumstances.
Design (obverse and reverse)
- Obverse: The crowned coat of arms of the Kingdom of Bulgaria (shield with supporters), with the Cyrillic inscription “СЪЕДИНЕНИЕТО ПРАВИ СИЛАТА” (“Unity Makes Strength”).
- Reverse: The denomination “1 ЛЕВЪ” above the year “1941”, framed by a wreath. The design reflects the simplicity typical of circulation coins of that period.
Mintage and rarity
Catalogues list an official mintage of 10,000,000 pieces (KM 37a), which makes it a common coin in terms of quantity produced. However, because it is made of iron — a metal highly prone to corrosion — well-preserved examples are significantly rarer than the mintage suggests.
Condition and important notes
- Because of the iron composition, the main deterioration is rust and oxidation; therefore, clean, high-grade examples are much harder to find.
- No major design varieties are listed for the 1941 issue; thus, condition (grade) is the key factor affecting value.
Numismatic value — what to expect
Prices vary considerably based on condition:
- Circulated examples (VG–XF): Usually modest in price — typical market values range from a few dozen euros up to around 80–150 EUR for better XF pieces, depending on supply and demand.
- High-grade / uncirculated (AU–UNC): Prices increase sharply. Auction and specialized marketplace records show sales from a few hundred euros up to over a thousand for certified high-grade pieces. Coins graded by NGC/PCGS at MS65 or higher can achieve very strong prices.
Practical note: Large mintage means circulated coins are affordable; the real premium is for uncorroded, uncirculated, well-preserved examples — especially certified ones.
Examples of recorded sales
- Smaller auctions often show modest hammer prices (tens of euros).
- Specialized auctions and certified high-grade pieces can reach much higher amounts (sometimes over 1,000 EUR/USD).
Advice for collectors and buyers
- Condition is everything: Avoid pieces with rust unless purchasing for historical study. For collection value, aim for AU/UNC grades.
- Certification helps: For higher-value purchases, choose certified coins from NGC or PCGS to ensure authenticity and reliable grading.
- Compare prices: Check multiple platforms (eBay, auction houses, Numista, uCoin) and consider shipping or import fees when buying internationally.
- Storage: Keep the coin in a dry environment. Iron coins require stable humidity and protective holders to avoid further oxidation.
