Bulgaria 1000 leva St John of Rila Monastery PR68 PCGS silver coin 1996

The 1996 Bulgarian 1000 Leva “St. Ivan of Rila Monastery” silver coin, certified PCGS PR68 Deep Cameo, is a tribute to Bulgaria’s most sacred spiritual landmark and its revered patron saint. The obverse presents a graceful image of St. Ivan of Rila, seated with a halo, holding a pastoral staff and blessing with his right hand. Below him stands the stylized Rila Monastery, with its recognizable multi-tiered structure, domes and arcaded base. The denomination “1000 ЛЕВА” and clear Cyrillic inscriptions complete the composition.

The reverse highlights the circular legend “РЕПУБЛИКА БЪЛГАРИЯ • REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA”, surrounding a ring of twelve stars and the central EUC emblem, with intertwined letters and the date 1996 beneath. The deep cameo contrast of Proof minting brings sharp definition to every architectural and symbolic element.

Dedicated to St. Ivan of Rila (876–946) — hermit, miracle worker and founder of the Rila Monastery — this coin honors his profound role in shaping Bulgarian Orthodox identity. Struck in silver and preserved in a prestigious PCGS PR68 holder, it stands as an exceptional collectible for admirers of religious art and Bulgarian cultural heritage.

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