Leu is a historical currency that was used in several countries, most notably in Romania and Moldova. The term "leu" means "lion" in Romanian, and it has been in use since the 17th century. The currency has undergone various changes and reforms over the years, with the current version being the Romanian leu (RON), which was introduced in 2005 after a redenomination. The Moldovan leu (MDL) is the currency of Moldova and was introduced in 1993, replacing the Soviet ruble. Both versions of the leu are subdivided into 100 bani. The leu is an important part of the economies of these countries, facilitating trade and everyday transactions.