Bulgarian Lev (BGN)
a.k.a. BGN, Leva
Bulgaria's former currency, code BGN, which was tied to the euro and then replaced by it at the start of 2026.
In plain English
Bulgaria's former currency, code BGN, which was tied to the euro and then replaced by it at the start of 2026.
The Bulgarian lev (plural leva) was held at a fixed rate to the Deutsche Mark and then the euro by a currency board from 1997, which meant every lev in circulation was backed by foreign reserves.
Bulgaria adopted the euro on 1 January 2026, so the lev has been retired. It is a neat example of a long peg ending in full membership of a currency union.
Keep this word for good
Your free Private Swap Lounge saves the terms you’ve learned and quizzes you on them. Portal under construction. Expected delivery date is December 01, 2026.