Bulgaria 1 Lev 1910 Ferdinand I България Silver coin

 Bulgaria 1 Lev 1910 Ferdinand I България Silver coin

Bulgaria 1 Lev 1910 Ferdinand I България Silver coin

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The Bulgaria 1 Lev 1910 Ferdinand the First Silver Coin is a historically significant and collectible numismatic item, struck during the reign of Ferdinand the First of Bulgaria. Here’s an overview of its background, design, and numismatic appeal:

Historical Context
Issuing Country: Bulgaria

Year of Issue: 1910

Monarch: Ferdinand the First of Bulgaria

Reign: Ferdinand the First ruled Bulgaria from 1887 to 1918. In 1908, he proclaimed Bulgaria’s full independence from the Ottoman Empire and declared himself Tsar (King).

The 1 Lev coin from 1910 marks a period of rising national pride and modernization, with Bulgaria asserting its sovereignty in the Balkans.

Coin Specifications
Denomination: 1 Lev

Material: Silver (.835 fine)

Weight: Approx. 5 grams

Diameter: ~23 mm

Edge: Reeded

Mint: Vienna Mint (Austria), as Bulgaria did not yet have its own mint at the time

Obverse (Front) Design
Features a left-facing bust of Ferdinand the First, detailed with regal attire and high craftsmanship.

Surrounding inscription: "ФЕРДИНАНДЪ I ЦАРЬ НА БЪЛГАРИТѢ" ("Ferdinand the First, Tsar of the Bulgarians")

Signature of the engraver and mintmark are often subtly included below the bust.

Reverse (Back) Design
Displays the denomination "1 ЛЕВЪ" (1 Lev) centrally, with the year "1910" beneath.

Surrounded by an ornate wreath of laurel and oak branches, symbolizing strength and victory.

A royal crown sits above the denomination, reinforcing the theme of monarchy and national pride.
Expanded Historical Background
By 1910, Bulgaria had recently declared full independence from the Ottoman Empire (in 1908), and Ferdinand I elevated his title from Prince to Tsar. This era is known as the Third Bulgarian Kingdom, marking a time of:

Rapid modernization

Rising nationalism

Strategic military expansion, especially leading into the Balkan Wars (1912–1913)

The 1 Lev silver coin from this year is among the first coins to reflect the newly declared sovereign status of Bulgaria. It was struck not just as currency but as a symbolic assertion of autonomy and monarchical legitimacy.

Deeper Design Symbolism
Obverse (Portrait of Ferdinand the First):
Uniformed appearance: Reflects his role not just as monarch but also as commander-in-chief of the Bulgarian army.

Full beard and Roman-style profile: Inspired by European imperial traditions, aligning him visually with other European royals like Franz Joseph the First of Austria.

The legend "ЦАРЬ НА БЪЛГАРИТѢ" (“Tsar of the Bulgarians”) is Old Church Slavonic in style, a nod to medieval Bulgarian empire traditions.
Reverse (Floral Wreath & Denomination):
Oak branches: Represent strength, endurance, and Bulgarian militarism.




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