29 mm diameter, 2.8? g, aluminum, flat edge, outer pearl circle denomination "5 LEI" and symbols of energetic and petroleum industrial activities. Ornaments: wheat ears and toothed wheel.	inscription "REPUBLICA SOCIALISTA ROMANIA" meaning "SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF ROMANIA, Romanian coat of arms, year 1978 between four squares

These pictures are present on Romanian coins through the kind permission of Mr. C.C. from Germany.

The leaves flanking word LEI miss the midveins, in comparison to regular circulation coin. As well, two points are flanking year 1978 on each side, unlike the regular coin which only features one point on each side. Information provided by Mr C. C. is that 2 such pieces are known. The field is mirror-like while the relief is matte (frosty), hence resembling a "semi-proof" state. Apparently, these essays were produced in an alloy including manganese and magnesium. As such an alloy had to be imported, its projected use was dropped for regular coinage.