5 Albanian Leke Coin (Issued 1997)

The 5 Albanian Lek coin issued from 1997 forms part of Albania’s modern circulating coinage introduced during the country’s post-communist monetary stabilisation. Authorised by Banka e Shqipërisë, this denomination was designed to be robust, clearly legible, and symbolic, supporting everyday transactions while reinforcing national identity through familiar state imagery. Although individual coins carry later strike dates, they belong to the same long-running design type first introduced in the late 1990s.

The obverse of the coin features Albania’s national emblem, the double-headed eagle, presented in bold relief at the centre. The eagle is encircled by the inscription Republika e Shqipërisë, identifying the issuing authority in a clean, evenly spaced typeface. The emblem’s strong lines and symmetrical form are well suited to coinage, ensuring the design remains recognisable even after extended circulation. The year of minting appears beneath the emblem, marking the production date of the individual coin while retaining the original 1997 issue design.

On the reverse, the denomination 5 Lekë is displayed prominently in the centre, with the numeral “5” occupying most of the field for immediate recognition. A stylised olive branch curves around the inscription, introducing a softer, organic element that balances the formal state symbolism of the obverse. The branch is rendered with shallow but precise relief, creating contrast against the darker field of the coin. The overall composition is uncluttered and practical, reflecting the coin’s role as everyday small change rather than a commemorative issue.

Struck in a durable base-metal alloy with a silvery finish, the 5 Albanian Lek coin was intended for long circulation life. Today, it is most commonly encountered outside Albania as part of mixed foreign coin collections. Travellers, charities, and households often accumulate small Albanian denominations that are difficult to exchange individually through banks or high-street bureaux.

If you have Albanian coins left over from travel or donations and would like to exchange foreign coins, our UK-based service offers a simple 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 multiple issue years.

• Indicate the quantity of 5 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, providing a clear process and secure handling from start to finish.