The lek (plural lekë) is the currency used in Albania; it is worth about 1 U.S. cent or Japanese yen. ISO 4217 currency code: ALL. It is divided into 100 qindarka.

History

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The lek was introduced in 1926. At first, there were four denominations in circulation. The lek was worth 100 qindar leku whilst the franga (franka) ar was worth 100 qindar ar or five lekë. The lek was equivalent to the Italian lira.

After the Second World War, only the lek and qindarkë (equal to the qindar leku) were issued. In 1965 and 1991, new lek were introduced, the first at an exchange rate of ten to one, the second at a rate of fifty to one.

Names

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The name lek derives from the popular abbreviation of Alexander the Great (Leka i Madh). The name qindarkë name comes from the Albanian qind (hundred). Qindarke carries the same meaning as cent.

Coins

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All coins have on the front side the value with branches. The reverse has various designs with the inscription "Republika e Shqipërisë" (Republic of Albania) and the year of production.

• 1 lek: Pelican
• 5 lekë: The eagle from the Flag of Albania
• 10 lekë: Castle of Berat city
• 20 lekë: Liburnian ship
• 50 lekë: Portrait of the Illyrian King Gentius
• 100 lekë: Portrait of the Illyrian Queen Teuta

Banknotes

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There are various series of these in circulation.

• 100 lekë
• 200 lekë
• 500 lekë
• 1000 lekë
• 5000 lekë

External links

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• Coins
• Banknotes

Economy of Albania

Лек | Lek | Lek (měna) | Lek (Währung) | Lek | Lek | Albana leko | Lek (monnaie) | 알바니아 렉 | Lek | Lek (munteenheid) | レク (通貨) | Albansk lek | Lek (jednostka monetarna) | Lek | Лек | Leku | Lek (valuta)