1 lek
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.[1] 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[2] and during Communist regime the coin featured the Albanian coat of arms.[3] 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.[4]

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.[1]

Reverse side

The reverse side of the coin features its value and a crown wreath.[1]

Usage

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. 1 2 3 "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".
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