Albanian Lek: currency named after Alexander the Great

Illustrated Specimen Details: 1 Lek (Albania)

Example Specimen: 1 lek, 1926 (Albanian Republic)

This specific coin design remained unchanged through two pivotal eras: the Albanian Republic (1926-1927) and the Albanian Kingdom (1930-1931).

Design & Symbolism: The obverse features a portrait of Alexander the Great. The reverse depicts the legendary ruler in a cloak on a rearing horse, holding a sword. The inscription SHQIPNI represents "Albania" in the Gheg dialect.

Technical Details: The coin was struck at the Italian Mint in Rome (marked with R). The intricate design is the work of Giuseppe Romagnoli and Attilio Motti, whose names appear in micro-script under the portrait.

1. ALBANIA (1926-present): 1 lek = 100 qindarkë. Until 1947, 5 lekë equaled 1 frang ar (gold franc).

The lek (plural: lekë) coin was named after Alexander the Great (Alexander III of Macedon), whose name is often shortened to Leka in Albanian. This legendary figure has a deep connection to Albanian national identity; for instance, the national hero Gjergj Kastrioti was given the name Skanderbeg (Leader Alexander) by the Turks in honor of Alexander’s military genius.

History and Evolution of the Lek

The lek is the national currency unit of Albania, introduced in 1926 during the reign of Zog I as part of the country's monetary modernization.

Historical Context and Symbolism

By naming the currency after "Leka" (Alexander the Great), Albania established a strong national-historical symbol. The denomination has proven remarkably resilient, surviving through various political eras:

• The Albanian Monarchy;
• The Italian occupation period;
• The Communist era (People's Socialist Republic);
• The modern Republic of Albania.

Physical Characteristics

Over the decades, lek coins have been struck in a variety of materials:

• Bronze and nickel (early issues);
• Aluminum (standard during the communist period);
• Brass and modern plated alloys for current circulation.

Common design elements include the Albanian double-headed eagle, Illyrian heritage symbols, and medieval cultural monuments.

Numismatic Notes

For collectors, the early Royal Albanian lek coinage from the 1920s and 1930s is particularly prized due to its high-quality Italian design and historical significance. Occupation-era issues and communist-era aluminum coins also represent popular specialized series within Balkan numismatics.

Key Point

The lek represents the modern national currency of Albania, divided into 100 qindarka, and carries the legacy of Alexander the Great into modern commerce.

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