https://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/ New BNB coins, news and analysis for collectors of Bulgarian coins. en https://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/is-my-coin-an-errorhttps://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/is-my-coin-an-errorMon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000Why most “error coins” found in change are not mint errors: post-mint damage, wear, environmental and chemical damage, plating and deliberate alteration – with a simple checklist to tell real errors from false alarms. https://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/keep-the-certificate-and-packaging-of-bnb-coinshttps://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/keep-the-certificate-and-packaging-of-bnb-coinsMon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000The capsule, box and certificate of authenticity are part of a BNB commemorative coin’s value: why buyers expect them, what a coin loses without them and how to keep them in good condition. https://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/polishing-and-baking-soda-ruin-coinshttps://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/polishing-and-baking-soda-ruin-coinsMon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000Polishing, baking soda, toothpaste and silver dips remove metal and leave hairline scratches. Why a cleaned Bulgarian silver coin can be worth a fraction of an untouched one, with examples. https://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/where-to-buy-bulgarian-coinshttps://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/where-to-buy-bulgarian-coinsMon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000The main ways to buy Bulgarian coins – BNB counters, coin shops, online auction platforms, classified sites, international auctions and coin fairs – with the advantages, risks and checks for each. https://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/what-to-do-with-leftover-lev-coinshttps://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/what-to-do-with-leftover-lev-coinsMon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000The lev is no longer legal tender: where to exchange lev coins free of charge, which ones to keep and how to turn the leftovers into a collection. https://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/coin-law-in-bulgariahttps://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/coin-law-in-bulgariaMon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000An overview of Bulgarian law for coin collectors: modern and circulation coins are freely traded, while coins that qualify as cultural values fall under the Cultural Heritage Act – identification and registration, sales only of registered items, licensed dealers, export permits – plus tax obligations. https://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/what-makes-a-bulgarian-coin-rarehttps://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/what-makes-a-bulgarian-coin-rareMon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000Why a low mintage is not the whole story: how mintage, the number of surviving coins and collector demand together determine rarity, with examples from the BulgarianCoins catalogue. https://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/wear-points-on-bulgarian-coinshttps://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/wear-points-on-bulgarian-coinsMon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000Where wear first appears on Bulgarian coins – cheek, hair and beard on royal portraits, the lion’s mane and the crown on the coat of arms, wreaths, numerals and rims – and how to use these high points to judge grade from VF to MS. https://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/treasure-hunting-and-metal-detecting-in-bulgariahttps://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/treasure-hunting-and-metal-detecting-in-bulgariaMon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000What Bulgarian law says about metal detecting and treasure hunting: archaeological objects belong to the state, metal detectors must be registered and used only for authorised activities, searching for archaeological objects without permission is a crime, and what to do if you find coins by chance. https://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/what-lowers-a-coins-gradehttps://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/what-lowers-a-coins-gradeMon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000Not all defects are equal. How bag marks, hairlines, rim knocks, scratches, spots, cleaning and toning affect a coin’s grade and price, ranked from minor to serious, with examples from Bulgarian coins. https://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/thematic-coin-collectinghttps://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/thematic-coin-collectingMon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000How to build a thematic Bulgarian coin collection: choosing a theme (rulers, saints, animals, ships, sport, writers, customs), setting boundaries and a budget, using the catalogue filters, and examples of compact themes with realistic costs. https://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/treasures-of-bulgaria-coin-serieshttps://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/treasures-of-bulgaria-coin-seriesMon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000A complete guide to the BNB “Treasures of Bulgaria” silver series (2005–2008): the Gold Mask, Letnitsa, Pegasus from Vazovo and Seuthes III – the archaeological finds behind each coin, mintages, designers, issue prices and current asking prices. https://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/story-of-a-coin-tsar-simeon-the-great-2014https://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/story-of-a-coin-tsar-simeon-the-great-2014Mon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000The story of one coin: the 2014 “Tsar Simeon the Great” silver 10 leva from the Medieval Bulgarian Rulers series – the ruler behind it, the 3,000 mintage, the 63 leva issue price and why it now appears in listings around €1,400. https://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/silver-coins-of-tsar-boris-iiihttps://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/silver-coins-of-tsar-boris-iiiMon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000A collector’s guide to the silver coins of Tsar Boris III: the 20, 50 and 100 leva of 1930 by Lajos Berán and the 50 and 100 leva of 1934 and 1937 by Percival Metcalf – silver content, mintages, current asking prices for raw and certified coins, and counterfeits. https://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/most-counterfeited-bulgarian-coinshttps://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/most-counterfeited-bulgarian-coinsMon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000Ferdinand’s gold coins, the silver 5 leva of the Principality and other favourite targets of counterfeiters, plus the checks that expose most fakes: weight, diameter, magnet, edge and details. https://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/gold-standard-in-bulgariahttps://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/gold-standard-in-bulgariaMon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000How Bulgaria moved from the bimetallic system of 1880 to a de facto gold standard: banknote backing, the gold coins of 1894 and 1912, the suspensions of convertibility in 1899 and 1912, the 1919 law and the 1928 stabilisation. https://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/gold-coins-of-tsar-ferdinandhttps://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/gold-coins-of-tsar-ferdinandMon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000A complete guide to the gold coins of Ferdinand I: the 10, 20 and 100 leva of 1894 struck in Kremnica and the 20 and 100 leva of 1912 for the 25th anniversary of his reign, with mintages, gold content, restrikes and current asking prices. https://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/foreign-mints-that-struck-bulgarian-coinshttps://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/foreign-mints-that-struck-bulgarian-coinsMon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000From 1881 to 1951 every Bulgarian coin was struck abroad: Heaton in Birmingham, St Petersburg, Brussels, Kremnica, Paris, Vienna, Budapest, Berlin, Poissy and Leningrad. Which mints made which coins and how to recognise their mint marks. https://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/first-bulgarian-coins-1881https://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/first-bulgarian-coins-1881Mon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000How the Principality of Bulgaria created the lev in 1880, why the first 2, 5 and 10 stotinki of 1881 were struck in Birmingham, and what collectors should know about them today. https://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/design-of-bulgarian-euro-coinshttps://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/design-of-bulgarian-euro-coinsMon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000Why the BNB kept the symbols of the lev coins (the Madara Horseman, St Ivan of Rila, Paisiy of Hilendar), how the design was approved from 2023 to 2025, and the 2-euro edge inscription. https://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/denominations-1952-1962-1999https://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/denominations-1952-1962-1999Mon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000The three Bulgarian currency reforms explained: 100:1 in May 1952, 10:1 in 1962 and 1000:1 on 5 July 1999 – why they happened, which coins were issued afterwards, and how they affect issue prices and catalogue comparisons. https://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/coin-collector-essential-toolshttps://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/coin-collector-essential-toolsMon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000The essential tools for a coin collector: a 5–10× loupe, a 0.01 g digital scale, digital calipers, a strong neodymium magnet, the right light, cotton gloves and holders – what to buy, what it costs and how to use each tool to check Bulgarian coins. https://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/coins-dedicated-to-the-bnbhttps://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/coins-dedicated-to-the-bnbMon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000The commemorative coins the Bulgarian National Bank issued for its own anniversaries – 120 years (1999), 125 years (2004) and 130 years (2009) – with their metals, mintages and prices, plus a short history of the bank. https://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/artists-and-engravers-behind-bulgarian-coinshttps://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/artists-and-engravers-behind-bulgarian-coinsMon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000The artists behind Bulgarian coins: foreign engravers of the Principality and Kingdom (Formás, Scharff, Marschall, Berán, Metcalf), the Bulgarian sculptors of the socialist era (Stefan Nenov, Lyubomir Prahov, Georgi Chapkanov, Bogomil Nikolov) and today’s most prolific designers. https://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/sheldon-grading-scalehttps://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/sheldon-grading-scaleMon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000Where the numbers on PCGS and NGC labels come from: the Sheldon scale from 1 to 70 explained for beginners, with the main grade bands, the MS and PR prefixes and how grades affect the price of Bulgarian coins. https://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/the-bulgarian-mint-how-a-coin-is-madehttps://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/the-bulgarian-mint-how-a-coin-is-madeMon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000The history of the Bulgarian Mint in Sofia from its opening in 1952, the first circulation and commemorative coins struck there, and the step-by-step process of making a coin: theme, design competition, plaster model, die, blank, striking and quality control. https://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/1300-years-of-bulgaria-coin-programme-1981https://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/1300-years-of-bulgaria-coin-programme-1981Mon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000The largest commemorative programme in Bulgarian coinage: 13 copper-nickel 2-leva coins, four silver 50-leva coins, the 25-leva and gold 1,000-leva “Mother and Child”, and the related 1981 issues, with mintages from the catalogue. https://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/most-expensive-bulgarian-coinshttps://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/most-expensive-bulgarian-coinsMon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000A ranking of the most expensive Bulgarian coins by current asking prices on Balkan Auction, from the 1894 gold 100 leva to the Golden Apple series, with the mintage, metal and reasons behind each price. https://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/taxes-on-selling-coins-in-bulgariahttps://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/taxes-on-selling-coins-in-bulgariaMon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000When individuals in Bulgaria owe income tax on selling coins: collectibles are an explicit exception to the tax-free sale of personal property, the taxable amount is the gain over the purchase price, taxed at 10% and declared in Annex 5 of the annual return. Investment gold and VAT explained. https://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/pvc-free-coin-storage-materialshttps://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/pvc-free-coin-storage-materialsMon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000Which plastics and papers are safe for coins (Mylar, polypropylene, polyethylene, acrylic, acid-free paper) and which ones damage them (soft PVC, rubber, ordinary cardboard, wood), with a quick test for unknown flips. https://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/simple-tests-for-a-genuine-coinhttps://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/simple-tests-for-a-genuine-coinMon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000How a jewellery scale, a calliper and a magnet can screen out most fake silver and gold Bulgarian coins, with reference specs for the Principality, Kingdom and wartime coins. https://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/ngc-or-pcgs-costs-and-benefitshttps://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/ngc-or-pcgs-costs-and-benefitsMon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000When third-party grading by NGC or PCGS pays off for Bulgarian coins, what it really costs (fees, shipping, insurance, time), the price gap between graded and raw coins in current listings, and how to verify a slab. https://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/should-you-clean-coinshttps://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/should-you-clean-coinsMon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000Why almost every attempt to clean a coin lowers its value, what collectors and dealers look for, and the few cases where careful cleaning is justified. https://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/ships-sailors-and-the-sea-on-bulgarian-coinshttps://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/ships-sailors-and-the-sea-on-bulgarian-coinsMon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000Bulgarian coins with maritime themes: the Radetzky steamship (1992), the Kaliakra sailing ship (1996), the Black Sea Coast (2006) and the Monk Seal (1999), with the history behind each, mintages and current asking prices. https://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/restrikes-and-originals-gold-1912https://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/restrikes-and-originals-gold-1912Mon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000The official BNB restrikes of the 1912 gold 20 and 100 leva, struck in 1967–68 in 2,950 and 1,000 pieces: how to tell them from the originals (edge lettering, relief, proof surfaces), and how their prices compare. https://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/proof-proof-like-and-buhttps://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/proof-proof-like-and-buMon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000What proof, proof-like and brilliant uncirculated mean, how the BNB’s “мат-гланц” and “гланц” labels map to them, and how the 1981 Expo ’81 coins show the difference in mintage and price. https://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/coin-pricing-guides-and-catalogueshttps://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/coin-pricing-guides-and-cataloguesMon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000Catalogue values, asking prices, realised auction prices and dealer buy prices explained: how each is produced, why they differ for the same Bulgarian coin, and how BulgarianCoins builds its market price ranges. https://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/patterns-and-trial-strikeshttps://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/patterns-and-trial-strikesMon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000Patterns, trial strikes and specimens explained: why mints make them, how they differ from circulation coins (metal, design, “ПРОБА” or “SPECIMEN” marks), why they are rare and expensive, and how to avoid fakes and misattributions. https://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/patina-or-tarnishhttps://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/patina-or-tarnishMon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000How to tell attractive natural toning from spots, corrosion and artificial toning on silver and copper Bulgarian coins, and why collectors often pay more for an untouched patina. https://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/numismatic-museums-and-exhibitions-in-bulgariahttps://www.bulgariancoins.com/en/analysis/numismatic-museums-and-exhibitions-in-bulgariaMon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000Where to see coins in Bulgaria: the free BNB Museum Collection in Sofia, the National Archaeological Institute with Museum (over 300,000 coins), the National History Museum’s coin hall, regional history museums and temporary exhibitions – with opening hours and tips.