The face of the coin is divided into two parts, similar to the sun and the moon, as a symbol of the continuity of times, past and present:
- on the right side the figure of a lion as a visual symbol of the denomination of the Moldovan national currency - the LEU;
- on the left side the coat of arms of the Republic of Moldova and the logo of the National Bank of Moldova;
- in exergy, following the circumference of the coin, the inscription is engraved in the circular arc: "25 years since the introduction of the national currency"

The coat of arms of Moldova consists of an eagle holding a cross in its beak and a sceptre and an olive branch in its claws. According to Gheorghe Vrabie, the author of the coat of arms, the eagle symbolizes the Latin origin of the people.

Depicts in the centre the value and the year of issue, surrounded by 25 stars representing the number of years since the introduction of the national currency in the Republic of Moldova.

In the upper part, in the exergy - the monogram in the letters "R" and "M" (the abbreviation of the name Republic of Moldova) in the latent image (hidden images, which are alternately visible when the left-right coin is tilted).

On the surface of the digit „1”, the micro-engraving with the legend „BNM” is applied.

There are two types of edge regarding inscription:
Type A: MOLDOVA readable with holding the obverse up
Type B: MOLDOVA readable with holding the reverse up