How to start a Bulgarian coin collection on a small budget

The most common misconception about coin collecting is that it is an expensive hobby. It can be, if from day one you chase gold coins from 1894. But much of the pleasure – the search, the organising, learning the story behind each coin – costs very little. Here are five directions to start with little money, and the rules that will protect you from expensive mistakes.

Five affordable directions

1. Circulation coins by year

The classic start: you collect one coin of every face value and year – for example the stotinki from 1999 to 2025, or the coins of the People’s Republic of Bulgaria from 1962 to 1990. Most are worth their face value or a little more. The challenge lies in completeness and condition. Especially since the introduction of the euro, a complete series of lev coins is also a beautiful historical document.

2. The common silver of the 1930s

The 20, 50 and 100 leva coins of 1930–1937 are in 500/1000 silver and were struck in millions. For example, the 20 leva 1930 has a mintage of over 10 million, and the 50 leva 1930 about 9 million. In ordinary condition they cost a little above the value of the silver in them. For a beginner this is the cheapest way to hold genuine historical silver.

3. The coins of the Kingdom from the early 20th century

The silver 1 lev 1916 or the nickel stotinki of 1906 and 1912–1913 are affordable in ordinary condition and tell the story of the era of Tsar Ferdinand and the wars. They are a natural bridge to the older and more expensive coins of the Principality.

4. The BNB’s 2-leva copper coins

Since 2020 the BNB has issued commemorative copper coins with a face value of 2 leva in the series “Bulgarian Creators”. They are in proof quality, with a box and certificate, and their price at release is many times lower than that of the silver coins. Among them are Panayot Pipkov, Stoyanka Mutafova, Dimitar Talev, Pancho Vladigerov and Georgi Partsalev. The series closed with the end of the lev. It is also a good start for a collection of modern BNB coins.

5. A thematic collection

Instead of by year, collect by theme – for example “coins with lions”, “coins with ships”, “the Madara Horseman through the years” or “coins for sport”. A thematic collection lets you buy cheap coins with an interesting story, regardless of the period. Our themes and series are a good starting point.

Rules that protect the budget

1. Buy the best condition you can afford. One coin in excellent condition is almost always a better buy than three worn ones. More on coin grades.
2. Learn before you buy expensive coins. In the first months, buy cheap coins and compare. The eye learns quickly.
3. Do not clean. Cleaning lowers the value. More in the article Should you clean coins?
4. Store properly from day one. PVC-free holders or capsules cost little and protect the coins. See how to store your coins.
5. Keep a list. Year, face value, condition, price, where it was bought. The list helps you avoid buying duplicates and shows how much you have spent.
6. Set a monthly budget. A collection grows better with small, regular purchases than with impulsive expensive ones.

Where to buy

• Circulation coins – from your own stock and from relatives. Lev coins are still in many homes.
• Markets and antique shops – for cheap old coins. Here it helps to carry a small scale and to know the weight of the coins you are looking for.
• Numismatic clubs and meetings – a place to swap duplicates and get advice.
• Online platforms – the widest choice, but also the greatest risk of counterfeits with expensive coins. Read how to recognise counterfeit coins.

Start with the catalogue, choose a period or series that excites you, and set yourself a first small goal. A good collection is not bought all at once – it is gathered.