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1 Lek

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Currency of Albania

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1 lek
Albania
Value1 lek
Mass3 g
Diameter18.1 mm
EdgeSmooth
CompositionCopper-covered steel (in 2008 and 2013), bronze (1996)
Years of mintingSince 1926
Obverse
Design"Republic of Albania" minted on top, mint year on bottom, and a pelican in the middle.
Reverse
DesignNominal value and a crown wreath.

The 1 Lek coin has a value of one lek and is composed of copper-covered steel (2008 and 2013 issues) or bronze (1996), depicting a Dalmatian pelican on its obverse. The 1 Lek coin was firstly minted in 1926 and has been redesigned several times.

History

The coin dates from 1926, when Albania minted its first Lek coins. The obverse side featured a lion, the year 1926, and "Shqipni". During Albania's Italian rule, it featured the fasces and during Communist regime the coin featured the Albanian coat of arms. In 1969, the national bank minted coins to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Albanian Liberation.

Under the democratic government, the coin was redesigned and reminted in 1996 featuring its current design.

Design

The coins are composed of copper-covered steel, with a diameter of 18 mm and a mass of 3 grams. The coins' edges are smooth. The coins have been used from 1997.

Obverse side

The obverse side features the mint year, "Republic of Albania" writing and a pelican in the center.

Reverse side

The reverse side of the coin features its value and a crown wreath.

Usage

Main article: Albanian Lek

While still legal tender, one lek coins do not find much usage currently. Their value, equivalent to less than a penny or 1 euro cent coin, is so small that many citizens will refuse to accept these coins as change from markets, unintentionally creating a system similar to take a penny, leave a penny.

Nicknames

The coin is sometimes referred to as a "pelikan" (pelican) because of its reverse design.

References

  1. ^ "Albania 1 Lek KM#75". NGC Coin.
  2. "Monedha të emetuara nga Banka Kombëtare e Shqipërisë 1926 - 1945".
  3. "Monedha të emetuara nga Banka e Shtetit Shqiptar 1945-1992".
  4. "1 Lek".
Albanian lek
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Former currencies
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