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, graded PCGS PR68 Deep Cameo, is a refined tribute to the spiritual heritage of Bulgaria. On the obverse, the saint St. Ivan of Rila is depicted seated with a halo, holding a long pastoral staff and raising his right hand in blessing. His flowing robes are deeply engraved, while below him stands the recognizable Rila Monastery, shown with its layered roofs, domes and stepped architectural base. The inscription “1000 ЛЕВА” and the Cyrillic title above complete the sacred composition.

The reverse features the official legend “РЕПУБЛИКА БЪЛГАРИЯ • REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA”, encircling a ring of twelve stars. At the center lies the elegant EUC emblem, formed by interlaced letters and accompanied by the year 1996. The mirror fields and frosted relief create a striking Deep Cameo contrast characteristic of high-quality Proof issues.

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. Certified in PR68, it offers exceptional preservation and strong collector appeal.

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