Bulgaria 1000 leva St John of Rila Monastery PR67 PCGS silver coin 1996

The 1996 Bulgaria 1000 Leva “St. Ivan of Rila” silver coin, graded PCGS PR67DCAM, honors one of Bulgaria’s most revered spiritual figures. The obverse presents a finely detailed image of St. Ivan of Rila, shown with a halo, flowing beard, and long monastic robes. In his hand he holds a staff topped with a cross, symbolizing his role as protector and spiritual guide. Beside him rises the beautifully engraved Rila Monastery, with its tiered domes, arched walls, and cross-topped central structure. The inscription of his name in Old Church Slavonic curves above the saint, while the denomination “1000 ЛЕВА” stands prominently to the left.

The reverse features the official emblem of the Republic of Bulgaria, surrounded by a ring of stars and the inscriptions “РЕПУБЛИКА БЪЛГАРИЯ / REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA.” At the center appears an elegant monogram and the year 1996. Struck in brilliant proof silver, the coin boasts deep mirror fields and sharp frosted reliefs, fully supported by its prestigious PR67DCAM certification.

This piece pays tribute to St. Ivan of Rila — founder of the Rila Monastery, national patron and a pillar of Bulgarian spiritual heritage — making it a meaningful and valuable collector’s item.

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