TheBulgarian euro coins feature designs that maintain visual continuity with the formerBulgarian lev coins, which remained in circulation until the introduction of theeuro inBulgaria on 1 January 2026.[1] Designed by theMint of Bulgaria EAD, the national sides generally replicate the motifs of the previous currency across three distinct designs. TheMadara Rider, an early medieval rock relief, is depicted on the 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cent coins, mirroring the motif used on the formerstotinka coins.[2] The 1 euro coin featuresSaint Ivan of Rila, the patron saint of Bulgarians, while the 2 euro coin depictsSaint Paisius of Hilendar, a key figure of theBulgarian National Revival; both portraits were previously used on the 1 lev and 2 leva coins, respectively.[3]
The national side also feature specific inscriptions in theCyrillic alphabet, with the words"СТОТИНКА" or"СТОТИНКИ" (used as the Bulgarian equivalent for the "EURO CENT") appearing on the 1 to 50-cent coins, and"ЕВРО" (euro) on the 1 and 2-euro coins. The edge of the Bulgarian 2 euro coin reads"БОЖЕ, ПАЗИ БЪЛГАРИЯ" (God, protect Bulgaria). This follows a tradition from the coinage of theThird Bulgarian Empire, where the same motto was used on historical gold and silver issues. All coins bear the name of the country "БЪЛГАРИЯ" and the year of issue "2026".[4]
Since 2013, theBulgarian Cyrillic alphabet has been present oneuro banknotes. As a result of Bulgaria'saccession to the European Union in 2007, the Cyrillic alphabet became the Union's third official alphabet, prompting theEuropean Central Bank to issue a new series of euro banknotes called "Europa".[5]
The Bulgarian euro coins entered circulation on 1 January 2026, marking Bulgaria's accession as the 21st member of the eurozone.[6] The design process began years prior, with a 2008 national vote favoring theMadara Rider as the primary symbol. Ultimately, theBulgarian National Bank (BNB) officially decided to replicate the designs of the formerBulgarian lev coins for the new currency for continuity. This decision retained the Madara Rider for the 1 to 50 cent coins, whileSaint Ivan of Rila andSaint Paisius of Hilendar were selected for the 1 and 2 euro coins, respectively.
To familiarize the public with the new currency, Bulgaria released euro coin starter kits on 1 December 2025.[7] The standard kit, containing 42 coins with a face value of €10.23, was sold for 20leva. A larger business kit, containing 420 coins with a face value of €102.30, was made available for 200 leva. These kits were distributed through theBulgarian National Bank, commercial banks, and post offices.[8]
Forimages of the common side and a detailed description of the coins, seeeuro coins.
| Value | Obverse side | Description | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1¢[9] | Madara Rider | The design depicts theMadara Rider (Madara Horseman), an 8th-century UNESCO World Heritage rock relief. The horseman faces right, spearing a lion. Inscriptions: "БЪЛГАРИЯ" (Bulgaria) at the top; the year "2026" to the right; and the denomination "СТОТИНКА" (stotinka, singular) at the bottom. | Smooth |
| 2¢, 5¢, 10¢, 20¢, 50¢[10][11][12] | Madara Rider | The design is identical to the 1 cent coin, featuring theMadara Rider. Inscriptions: "БЪЛГАРИЯ" (Bulgaria) at the top; the year "2026" to the right; and the denomination "СТОТИНКИ" (stotinki, plural) at the bottom. | Smooth (2¢, 5¢, 50¢) or shaped (10¢, 20¢) |
| €1[13] | St. Ivan Rilski | DepictsSt. Ivan Rilski (St. John of Rila), the patron saint of Bulgaria and founder of theRila Monastery. He is shown full-length, holding a cross and a scroll. Inscriptions: "БЪЛГАРИЯ" (Bulgaria) to the right; "ЕВРО" (euro) to the left and the year "2026" vertically to the left. | Segmented |
| €2[14] | Paisiy Hilendarski | DepictsPaisiy Hilendarski (Saint Paisius of Hilendar), a key figure of theBulgarian National Revival and author ofIstoriya Slavyanobolgarskaya. He is shown in profile, holding a quill and book. Inscriptions: "БЪЛГАРИЯ" (Bulgaria) to the right; "ЕВРО" (euro) to the left and the year "2026" vertically to the left. | "БОЖЕ ПАЗИ БЪЛГАРИЯ" (GOD PROTECT BULGARIA), inscribed on the edge. |
| National Identifier | БЪЛГАРИЯ |
| Mint Mark | None |
| Engravers Initials | None |
| €2 Edge inscription | • БОЖЕ ПАЗИ БЪЛГАРИЯ • |
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