1 Lek
The 1 Lek coin has a value of one lek and is composed of copper-covered steel or a copper-zinc alloy (brass). The coin has been used since 1926 and has been redesigned several times.
| Value | 1 lek |
|---|---|
| Mass | 3 g |
| Diameter | 18mm mm |
| Edge | Smooth |
| Composition | Copper-covered steel, copper-zinc alloy |
| Years of minting | Since 1926 |
| Obverse | |
| Design | Nominal value and a crown wreath. |
| Reverse | |
| Design | "Republic of Albania" minted on top, mint year on bottom, and a pelican in the middle. |
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[1] and during Communist regime the coin featured the Albanian coat of arms.[2] 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.[3]
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.
Reverse side
The reverse side features the mint year, "Republic of Albania" writing and a pelican in the center.
Obverse (national) sides
The obverse side of the coin features its value and a crown wreath.
Usage
The 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.