How to Identify the 1 Leu (Carol I)
A collector's guide to confirming the silver 1 Leu of Carol I by its left-facing royal portrait, crowned Romanian arms, denomination, and date.
Read the full 1 Leu (Carol I) encyclopedia entry →
Read the Obverse Legend and Portrait
Start with the obverse. A genuine coin of this type shows a bare-headed bust of Carol I in profile facing left, encircled by a Romanian legend naming him, such as CAROL I and REGE AL ROMANIEI. The named royal portrait, rather than an allegorical figure or a plain design, is the first thing to confirm.
Confirm the Reverse Arms and Value
Turn to the reverse, which must show the Romanian coat of arms: a quartered shield beneath a royal crown, often set within a mantle. The value should read 1 LEU with the date 1900. If the reverse shows only a wreath, a figure, or a different denomination, it is not this type, even if the portrait looks similar.
Check Size, Weight, and Metal
This is a small silver coin, not a crown-sized piece. It should feel dense for its size and show the bright tone or gray patina of struck silver, and it is non-magnetic. A lightweight, thin, or magnetic coin of this design is a warning sign, since the genuine issue is silver rather than base metal.
Rule Out Look-Alikes
Romania struck several silver denominations of Carol I in the same style, including the larger 2 lei and 5 lei, which share the portrait and arms but differ in size and stated value, so always read the denomination. Later 1 leu coins of the same country are base metal and often show different designs. Note also that this portrait type differs from earlier and later Carol I busts, so match the date and legend, not just the general look.
Authentication Cautions
Because silver coins of this era attract fakes and altered dates, weigh and measure the piece and compare the portrait, arms, and lettering to trusted reference images. Watch for soft or mushy detail, wrong weight, or seams that suggest a cast counterfeit. Cleaning is common and reduces value, so favor coins with original surfaces, and for higher-value examples consider third-party authentication.
Frequently asked questions
How do I confirm it is a Carol I coin and not another ruler?
Read the obverse legend, which names CAROL I as king of Romania, and check that the portrait faces left. The named king in the legend is the surest confirmation of the ruler.
How can I tell it from the 2 lei or 5 lei of the same design?
Read the denomination on the reverse. This coin states 1 LEU; the related 2 lei and 5 lei share the portrait and crowned arms but are larger and state different values.
What should the metal and feel be?
It should be silver: small but dense, non-magnetic, and with the tone and ring of struck silver. A thin, light, or magnetic piece of this design is suspect.
Is it worth authenticating?
For anything beyond a well-worn example, yes. As a collectible silver type it can be faked or have an altered date, so verifying weight, diameter, and design details, or using certification, protects your purchase.