First ever Bulgarian pressed currency (Stotinki) 1881 Historical Set. 16.30grams Copper Complete first coin set of 2 5 10 Stotinki Original in a Mint beautiful condition without a damage - uncleaned. Alexander I of Battenberg This is not only a coin set this is the proof of history. 1881 Prince Alexander I of Battenberg. He became the first ruler (Knyaz / Prince) of the Principality of Bulgaria in 1879, following Bulgaria’s 1st departation steps from Ottoman Empire and the adoption of the Tarnovo Constitution. Alexander I ruled until 1886 and was the head of Bulgarian Principality at the time Bulgaria issued its first modern pressed coins in 1881. Bulgaria became a kingdom later declared Independence from the Ottoman Empire on 5 October 1908 and declared Sov), Alexander I played a crucial role in establishing Bulgaria’s early state institutions, including its monetary system.