The metal of time

The theme of the paper is about how chemistry helped Bulgaria create its first real money, because behind each coin lies more than just metal – it carries scientific thought, political will and even a bit of national pride. The essay explains how copper, silver and gold were chosen not only for their value, but also for their chemical properties – how they react, how they are preserved and what they say about the time in which they were made. The essay shown how science and in particular chemistry helped to build a stable and sustainable currency in the Principality of Bulgaria. The essay presents interesting discoveries from archives and books are shared that show how we have used foreign technologies and knowledge while building our own monetary system. This essay is a way to show that chemistry is not just formulas, but can also tell the story of a country’s history.