The world’s first plastic coins were issued by the Republic of Transnistria (also known as Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic) in 2014. These coins were made of composite plastic and were introduced in denominations of 1, 3, 5, and 10 rubles. Transnistria, a breakaway region of Moldova, created these coins as a durable, lightweight alternative to traditional metal coins.

The coins feature transparent and colored plastic, with intricate designs, and include advanced security features like UV light sensitivity and microprinting to prevent counterfeiting. The use of plastic in coinage was an innovative approach, marking a significant departure from traditional metal coins.