Animals and nature on Bulgarian coins
Bears, a lynx, an imperial eagle, a wild goat, a monk seal, a great crested grebe, Pirin and the Black Sea coast
BulgarianCoins editorial team 3 min read
Bulgaria’s nature is a theme the BNB returns to again and again. Coins with animals are among the most beautiful in Bulgarian coinage. Some of them are also among the most sought after.
“Endangered Wild Animals” (1989–1993)
Four large silver coins (925 silver, 23.33 g, 38.61 mm) dedicated to animals endangered in Bulgaria. See the series.
| Year | Coin | Face value | Mintage | Median listing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Bear with Cubs | 25 leva | 20,000 | ≈ €200 |
| 1990 | Lynx | 25 leva | 20,000 | no listings |
| 1992 | Imperial Eagle | 100 leva | 30,000 | ≈ €75 |
| 1993 | Wild Goat | 100 leva | 30,000 | ≈ €275 |
The designer of “Bear with Cubs” is Georgi Chapkanov. The coins of the early 1990s were issued in years of high inflation, which is why their face values are high.
Monk Seal (1999)
“Monk Seal” is the star of the theme. 10 leva, 925 silver, only 5,000 pieces. The monk seal has disappeared from the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, and the coin is a kind of monument. Today it is offered for about €600, against an issue price of under €7. That makes it one of the coins with the biggest rise – see Issue price vs market price.
“National Parks and Reserves”
Two silver coins show the country’s natural riches:
- The Bulgarian Black Sea Coast (2006) – 7,000 pieces, offered for about €470.
- The Bulgarian Mountains – Pirin (2007) – 6,000 pieces.
“Natural Diversity in the Republic of Bulgaria”
In 2022 the BNB began a new series with “Great Crested Grebe” – 10 leva, 999 silver, 5,000 pieces. It is offered for about €205. Follow Upcoming coins for the next coins in the series.
Nature on ordinary coins too
There are animals on circulation coins as well. The lion has been part of the Bulgarian coat of arms from the Principality to the present day. The Bulgarian euro cents show the Madara Horseman, a rock relief set in the landscape near Madara. See The design of the Bulgarian euro coins.
Why the theme is popular
- Beautiful designs. Animals give artists more freedom than portraits.
- International interest. Collectors of “animals on coins” from all over the world look for Bulgarian coins too.
- Small mintages after 1999. The newer coins are in 5,000–7,000 pieces.
- Suitable for children. Coins with animals are a wonderful way to get children interested. See Collecting with children.
How to start
Start with the more affordable coins of 1989–1993 and add “Monk Seal” when you find a good offer. Keep the coins in capsules – silver proof coins easily develop milk spots.
Prices are medians of current listings on Balkan Auction as of 19.10.2026. For many coins there are only one or two listings.
