Romanian Currency History: The Lei and Its Reforms

No 1966 Lei—Only the 2005 Revaluation

Romania's currency is the leu (plural: lei), ISO code RON. There was no "lei from 1966" as a distinct currency. The timeline:

Key Monetary Reforms

• 1867: First leu introduced (par with French franc).
• 1947: Post-WWII reform (1 new leu = 20,000 old lei).
• 1952: Another reform (1 new leu = 100 old lei).
• 2005 (July 1): Fourth leu (RON) = 10,000 old lei (ROL). This is the current currency.

Implications

• Any banknotes/coins dated before 2005 are demonetized—no legal tender value.
• Old lei (ROL) can be exchanged at the National Bank of Romania (BNR) indefinitely, but only at the 10,000:1 rate.
• 1966-dated notes would be from the 1952–2005 series (ROL)—worthless for spending, collectible only.

If you have pre-2005 lei, take them to BNR or a commercial bank for conversion to current RON. They cannot be used in commerce.