The history of money in the Bulgarian lands is ancient, beginning in antiquity and following the development of society, trade, and trust between people, said the lecturer in banking and finance at the D.A. Tsenov Academy of Economics in Svishtov, Chief Assistant Professor Dr. Stefan Prodanov. He was a guest at the BTA National Press Club in the Danube city on the occasion of the presentation of the new issue of the LIK magazine on the topic "Bulgarian Money".
The history of money in the Bulgarian lands begins long before the modern state, emphasized Chief Assistant Professor Dr. Prodanov.
He told BTA that even in antiquity, the Thracian rulers Teres, Sitalkes, and Kotys I minted their own coins. They were simply a means of trade, but also a sign of power, trust, and participation in the then-civilized world. During the Roman era, the lands of present-day Bulgaria became part of "one of the most successful currency systems in history". The denarius, and later the golden solidus of Constantine the Great, ensured stability and predictability in the vast economic space – an early example of how a common currency creates growth and security.“
Medieval Bulgaria continued this tradition. Under Tsar Ivan Asen II, the country reached economic prosperity, and Bulgarian gold and silver coins established its international authority. Under Tsar Ivan Alexander, the minting of coins with strong state symbolism was a clear expression of sovereignty and a striving for financial sustainability, specified Chief Assistant Professor Dr. Prodanov. According to him, after the Liberation, the Bulgarian lev became a symbol of the restored statehood and the modern European path of Bulgaria, with a consistent striving for stability, discipline, and trust.
Today, Bulgaria is facing a new historical stage. The introduction of the euro is not a break from this tradition, but its logical continuation, said Chief Assistant Professor Dr. Prodanov and added that, similar to the ancient and medieval examples, it is a matter of participating in a larger economic space, where common rules strengthen security, and trust is the most valuable currency. History shows us that Bulgaria has prospered when it has been open to integration but confident in its identity. It is with such historical awareness and social responsibility that we must approach today as well. This choice will prove to be useful, sustainable, and worthy of the future of our country.