Obverse: depicts the portrait of King Mihai I of Romania facing left. Around the portrait appears the inscription MIHAI I REGELE ROMANILOR, meaning “Mihai I, King of the Romanians,” along with the engraver Haralambie Ionescu’s initials H. IONESCU.
Reverse: features the coat of arms of Romania dividing the issue year 19 and 44. At the top is the country name ROMANIA, and at the bottom the denomination 500 LEI.
About the coin: this 500 Lei coin was minted in 1944 at the State Mint in Bucharest. It was in circulation only until the summer of 1945, when it was withdrawn after World War II. On the edge appears the royal motto NIHIL SINE DEO, meaning “Nothing Without God.” The coin is composed of 70% silver and 30% copper, containing 8.4 g of pure silver. It is regarded as one of the last silver issues of the Romanian monarchy, notable for its symbolism and craftsmanship.
