Bulgaria. - 1000 Leva 1922 - Pick 40a

Large-format Bulgarian banknote with a face value of 1000 Leva, issued by the Bulgarian National Bank in 1922. This classic interwar issue belongs to the early Bulgarian lev period and is catalogued as Pick 40a. The note has a substantial visual presence, with refined engraving, wide margins and a high-denomination design that stands out among early 20th-century European paper money.

The obverse is printed in red-brown, green and pale multicolour tones, with the Bulgarian coat of arms placed at centre, large “1000” denomination panels on both sides and richly layered guilloche work across the background. The lower border shows the 1922 date and the imprint of the American Bank Note Company, a desirable feature for collectors of finely engraved banknotes.

The reverse is printed mainly in brown tones and features a detailed agricultural scene with figures in a rose-harvesting field, framed by ornamental borders and repeated “1000” denomination medallions. The French inscription “Banque Nationale de Bulgarie” appears above the central vignette. The visible serial number is A089293, printed in red on both sides of the obverse, with signatures and cashier markings visible in the lower field.

The banknote retains strong collector appeal, clear engraving detail and attractive colour contrast. Visible condition details include a central vertical fold, additional handling creases, age toning, small stains, minor edge wear, softened corners, light margin folds and a small red pencil mark on the obverse. Despite these signs of circulation, the note remains a desirable and impressive 1922 Bulgarian high-denomination issue with strong notaphilic interest.