Which currency was introduced in Albania in 1926?

The Albanian lek was introduced in Albania in 1926. Its ISO 4217 code is ALL, and it is the country’s official currency today.

The name lek is generally associated with Alexander the Great, whose name appears in Albanian historical usage as Leka i Madh. Early Albanian banknotes and coins used imagery connected with the country’s national history and identity.

Before the lek, Albania used a mixture of foreign currencies, including the Ottoman lira and currencies from neighboring states. The new national currency helped establish a more unified monetary system during the interwar period.

The lek is divided into 100 qindarka, although qindarka coins are no longer important in ordinary circulation. The currency should not be confused with the old Albanian franc, which was used before the lek became Albania’s monetary unit.