Albania got own independence in 1912 and become a republic. In 1 September 1928 this country become a kingdom with Zog I the King (Ahmed Zogu). He become a king owing to Russian officers, which was the main military power in Albania in that period. But in April 1939 Albania was annexed by the Italians and Vittorio Emanuele III become a new king of Albania. During the WWII Albania was occupied by Italians and Germans. When WWII was finished, Albania become an one of socialist states (until 1991-92).
Monetary system of Albania was very simple: 100 qindarka = 1 lek. 1 lek 1930, nickel, mintage - 1250000. Zog I the King.
This coin was minted during the Italian occupation. 0,20 lek 1939, stainless steel, mintage - 900000. Vitorio Emanuele III. 1 lek 1939, stainless steel, mintage - 2100000. Vitorio Emanuele III.
Post-War coinage. Peoples Socialist Republic of Albania. 10 qindarka 1969, aluminium. "25th Anniversary of lLberation". 20 qindarka 1969, aluminium. "25th Anniversary of lLberation".
Nice coins as always, you have a very nice collection of world coins. If I may ask, how long have you been collecting? It's always nice to see what you'll come up with next!
Interesting that the country name used on the coins was "Shqipni" first; later it became "Shqipëri". As far as I know, the former is the Gheg (Northern Albanian) variety ... Christian
1 lek 1957, zinc, weight - 3,2 g., size - 20,1 mm, thickness - 1,67 mm, mintage unknown. Moscow Mint. Such coins were released at 1947 & 1957.
Kingdom of Albania (1928-1939). 1/2 lek 1931, nickel, weight - 6 g., size - 24 mm, thickness - 1,5 mm, mintage - 500000 pcs. Engraver: Giuseppe Romagnoli. London Mint. Such coins were released at 1930 & 1931. Demonetized at January 1 1940.
Nice! That year and denomination has been the most difficult one for me to find. Had a REALLY nice one, that was so nice it's really a mislabeled proof. Nice to have gotten a proof, but boy I'd like them in a respectable-to-gem quality circulation strikes. Had fun at the coin show looking for ancients with Herakles wrestling/strangling the Nemean lion just to see the design that inspired the Albanian coin.
Wow, that is a really nice coin. Also like the 1931 1/2 lek. I wonder about the outcome of that encounter!
Here are some of my older Albanian coins 1 qindar ar 1935 - mintage 2000000 1 frang ar 1935 - mintage 700000, depicting king Zog both struck in Rome and engraved by Giuseppe Romagnoli
Funny, I see a very similar oak twig in my wallet here (Germany) almost every day. Link only as that one does not really belong here ... Christian
1/2 leku 1957, zinc, weight - 2,1 g., size - 18 mm, thickness - 1,4 mm, mintage unknown. Moscow Mint. Such coins were released at 1947 & 1957.
Republic of Albania (1925-1928). 1/4 leku 1927, nickel, weight - 4 g., size - 21,7 mm, thickness - 1,46 mm, mintage - 756000 pcs. Engraver: Giuseppe Romagnoli. Rome Mint. Such coins were released at 1926 & 1927. Demonetized at January 1 1940.
Peoples Socialist Republic of Albania. 50 qindarka 1969, aluminium, weight - 2 g., size - 24,4 mm, thickness - 2 mm, mintage uncknoun. Engraver: Odhise Paskali. "25th Anniversary of Albania's Liberation". Demonetized at January 1 1992.