5000 Albanian Leke (Issued 2019)

The 5000 Albanian Leke banknote issued in 2019 represents the highest denomination within Albania’s modern banknote series and showcases the country’s most advanced design and security standards. Issued by Banka e Shqipërisë, the note combines large-scale historical imagery with refined intaglio engraving, complex background structures, and a warm, gold-dominated colour palette that immediately distinguishes it from lower denominations.

On the front of the banknote, the central feature is a finely engraved portrait of Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg, Albania’s national hero and a defining figure in the country’s medieval history. The portrait is rendered using traditional intaglio techniques, with tightly spaced lines creating depth across the face, beard, and headwear, giving the image a sculptural, almost medal-like quality. Surrounding the portrait are layered security elements, including a vertical multi-feature strip incorporating metallic and colour-shifting effects, micro-text, and repeated denomination numerals. The denomination “5000” appears clearly at the right-hand side and within the design field, while the inscription Banka e Shqipërisë and Pesë Mijë Lekë are set in clean, modern typography designed for clarity and counterfeit resistance. Subtle tonal transitions and fine geometric patterns fill the background, providing both visual richness and functional security.

The reverse of the 5000 Albanian Leke focuses on national heritage and symbolism. A detailed depiction of a historic fortress complex is engraved using fine linework and controlled shading, emphasising stone textures, elevation changes, and architectural form. This imagery reinforces themes of resilience, defence, and statehood associated with Skanderbeg’s legacy. The fortress scene is balanced by ornamental motifs and repeating guilloché-style patterns that mirror those on the front, creating cohesion across the note. The denomination is again clearly displayed, integrated into the design rather than overprinted, and supported by additional security features that become more apparent under magnification or angled light.

Beyond its artistic and historical qualities, the 5000 Albanian Leke (2019) is a denomination that many people in the UK encounter as leftover travel money or as part of mixed foreign currency collections held by households, businesses, or charities. Albanian banknotes are not always accepted by high street exchange bureaux, which can leave higher-value notes like this unused for long periods. Our UK-based service allows you to exchange leftover currency safely and conveniently, without needing to visit a bank or specialist dealer.

This service is commonly used by individuals returning from Albania, organisations clearing out cash drawers, and charities processing donated foreign money. An instant online valuation shows the exchange value upfront, with a clear and secure process from submission through to payment.

• Indicate the quantity of 5000 Albanian Leke banknotes 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 convert surplus foreign banknotes efficiently, offering transparent pricing, expert handling, and a straightforward UK currency buy-back process from start to finish.