The employees of the National Bank of Moldova on March 23 wished many happy returns to plastic artist Gheorghe Vrabie, who is the author of the design of the national currency, Info-Prim Neo reports. "Master Gheorghe Vrabie is highly appreciated by the central bank's employees for his important contribution to asserting Moldova's independence,” said the central bank's governor Dorin Dragutan, wishing the artist good health. Gheorghe Vrabie, who is also the author of Moldova's coat of arms, remembered events connected with the launch of the national currency. “I was told that it was a secret project. Even my wife did not know about it. I was very worried. Now I'm glad that I have connections with all the people in Moldova through the coat of arms used in the legal docents and the money in circulation in Moldova,” he said. Dorin Dragutan confirmed that the national currency continues to be printed in three states – France, Romania and the Czech Republic. He said the central bank does not yet consider it necessary to change the design of the Moldovan leu. Graphic artist Gheorghe Vrabie was born in Calinesti village of Balti district on March 21, 1939. He is a master of art and was awarded the medal “Mihai Eminescu”. He illustrated more than 100 books.