01/01/2020: New Currency Symbol
A new currency symbol for the dobra, resembling the letters 'STD' with horizontal lines through them, was introduced for official use.
24/05/2018: Dobra Pegged to Euro
The dobra's exchange rate was pegged to the euro, aiming to stabilize the currency and boost economic cooperation with the European Union.
01/01/2016: Introduction of Polymer Banknotes
São Tomé and Príncipe started issuing polymer banknotes as a means to enhance durability and reduce counterfeiting of the dobra.
06/05/2015: Pegged to the euro
The Bulgarian Lev officially became a currency pegged to the euro, maintaining a fixed exchange rate, on May 6, 2015.
01/01/2010: Currency Redenomination
The third dobra was introduced, with 1 new dobra equalling 1,000 old dobras, aiming to simplify transactions and boost confidence in the currency.
01/01/2002: Replacement of notes and coins
New series of notes and coins for the Bulgarian Lev were introduced, replacing the previous designs on January 1, 2002.
01/07/1999: Currency board arrangement
Bulgaria implemented a currency board arrangement, fixing the Bulgarian Lev to the euro at a rate of 1.95583 on July 1, 1999.
01/01/1997: Introduction of the New Dobra
A new currency, the 'second dobra,' was introduced at a rate of 1,000 to 1 to combat hyperinflation and stabilize the economy.
24/12/1979: First Currency Devaluation
The first devaluation of the dobra occurred, reducing its value by 53% as a result of economic instability and inflation.
30/06/1977: Introduction of the Dobra
The São Tomé and Príncipe dobra was introduced as the official currency of the country after gaining independence from Portugal.
15/09/1962: Introduction of the New Lev
The New Lev was introduced as a new currency in Bulgaria, replacing the Lev A, on September 15, 1962.
01/12/1952: Lev replaced by Lev A
The Bulgarian Lev was replaced by a new currency named Lev A on December 1, 1952 as a result of currency reform.
14/10/1923: Hyperinflation
Bulgaria experienced severe hyperinflation, causing the value of the Lev currency to plummet during the period from 1923 to 1924.
01/04/1881: Introduction of the Lev
The Bulgarian Lev currency was introduced as the official currency of Bulgaria on April 1, 1881.