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Small denomination coins were in short supply during WWI. Romania issued
postage size 10, 25 and 50 Bani notes as temporary replacements for coins.
This 10 Bani note, measuring 34mm x 45mm (1 5/16" x 1 3/4"), is one of the world's smallest
bank note.
Front: King Ferdinand I (1865-1927), Ruler of Romania
Ferdinand was born in Germany, son of Prince Leopold of Hohenzollern
(King Carol I's brother) and of Princess Antonia (the sister of King Pedro I
of Portugal). He first came to Romania in 1884 and returned
to Germany shortly to continue his education. In 1889, after graduating from University
of Lipsca and from the School of Political and Economical Sciences in Tubingen,
he moved to Bucharest to fulfill his duties as heir to the Romanian throne.
Ferdinand married Maria of Edinburgh, from the British Royal Family in
1893. They had six children. The elder one, Carol, will later become
King Carol II.
In 1914 Ferdinand becomes King of Romania. He swore to be "a good Romanian".
When WWI started, Romania fought against Germany.
He led Romania through the WWI, saw Transilvania became part of Romania,
completed land reform, and promulgated the Romania Constitution of 1923.
King Ferdinand died of cancer at 62 and was buried at Curtea de Arges next to
his uncle and aunt, King Carol I and Queen Elisabeth.
Back: Coat of Arm
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