10 Albanian Leke Coin (Issued 1997)

The 10 Albanian Lek coin issued from 1997 forms part of Albania’s restructured coinage introduced during the late 1990s, a period marked by economic reform and the stabilisation of the national currency. Produced under the authority of Banka e Shqipërisë, this denomination was designed for everyday circulation, combining durability with imagery that reflects Albania’s historical identity and cultural heritage. Although individual examples may carry later mint dates, the design itself originates from the 1997 issue programme.

The obverse of the coin features a detailed representation of a historic Albanian fortress, identified in the design as Rozafa Castle. The fortress is shown in raised relief, with stepped walls and towers rendered in simplified but recognisable form. Encircling the image is the inscription Republika e Shqipërisë, clearly stating the issuing state, while the year of minting appears below the design. This architectural motif reinforces themes of resilience, continuity, and national heritage, making the obverse both symbolic and visually distinctive.

On the reverse, the denomination 10 Lekë is displayed prominently at the centre, with the numeral “10” occupying most of the field for immediate recognition. Surrounding the denomination is a wreath formed from stylised olive branches, a recurring motif in Albanian coinage that conveys balance and unity. The relief is shallow but precise, allowing the design to remain legible even after extended circulation. The overall composition is clean and practical, reflecting the coin’s role as functional small change rather than a commemorative issue.

Struck in a brass-coloured base-metal alloy, the 10 Albanian Lek coin was intended to withstand heavy use while remaining easily distinguishable from lower denominations. Today, it is most commonly found outside Albania as part of mixed foreign coin collections accumulated through travel, charity donations, or long-forgotten currency jars. Individually, such coins are rarely accepted by banks or high-street exchange bureaux, but when grouped together they can still contribute to a usable exchange value.

If you have Albanian coins left over from travel or donations and would like to exchange foreign coins, our UK-based service provides a simple and reliable way to convert them without sorting or visiting a physical exchange counter. We regularly handle mixed bags of low-value foreign coins, including Albanian Lek denominations from the late 1990s onward.

• Indicate the quantity of 10 Albanian Lek coins you want to exchange

• Click the ‘Add to your account’ button

• Your online account now shows the exchange value

We help individuals, businesses, and charities turn surplus foreign coins into usable funds efficiently, offering a clear process and secure handling from start to finish.