Hi there, I have searched the internet for information on a coin. It is Albanian 1925 1/4 Leku. I can only find similar but 1926. Lion facing to the left on one side. Leaves on the other. Is this a rare coin? Any info much appreciated Thanks, Karen
It's either a fake, or a fabulously rare one-of-a-kind. According to the Standard Catalog of World Coins the very first 1/4 Leku coin minted after the 1912 declaration of Albanian independence from the Ottoman Empire was struck in Rome, dated 1926, with a mintage of 506,000. KM#3, the coin is made of nickel, and is valued between $3.50 and $48 in the 2008 35th Edition of the 20th Century volume. Here's a 1927 example: Photo courtesy WWW.Numismaster.com
Thanks for your reply. How intriguing! I've had a coin collection (which this coin was in), which belonged to my mother in my drawer for 12 years, and have only just starting going through them. The coins (I think) were from my grandfather, from his postings overseas during the war. Shall I post a picture of it? It is the same as your picture but 1925. It is slightly bent in one corner, perhaps this indicates its fake? Thanks. Karen
The damage has nothing to do with whether it's real or fake, but a picture would be helpful in confirming it's status. Even without seeing it, I'm convinced that yours is a fake sinokt because I have faith that the editors of the Standard Catalog would have discovered the existence of 1925 dated coins at some point in the ensuing 83 years.
Thanks. Here is a picture of the Leku, sorry it's not very clear. I just phoned my mum who said that the coin would have been in the collection for at least 50 years. Thanks.
Age has no bearing on genuineness. Counterfeit coins have been produced for more than a millennium! That said, your coin may very well be a genuine 1926 with some damage to the last digit. I'd love to see that part of the coin under a microscope!
