Moldova Lei is the currency of Moldova. Currency code (MDL). It is subdivided into 100 bani (singular: ban). The name of the currency originates from the Romanian word for "lion", with lei being the plural form.The Moldovan Leu was introduced in 1993, replacing the Soviet Ruble at a rate of 1 Leu = 10,000 Rubles. The first coins were issued in denominations of 1, 5 and 10 Bani and were made from copper-nickel-zinc. These were followed by 20 and 50 Bani coins made from aluminium in 1994 with cupro-nickel 100 Bani coins introduced later that year.