Albania, Republic, President Amet Bey Zogu, silver 5-Franga Ar, 1926 (KM 8.1). Good extremely fine, reverse virtually as struck, minuscule grazes to rim noticeable on close inspection (£150-200)

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of the Coins of Albania.

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The only crown-size silver coin of pre-war Albania. The reverse (technically the obverse) shows a peasant ploughing. At present we have no means of knowing why this design was chosen or whether it was suggested by the artist Romagnoli, the Albanian authorities, or even the President himself. It is an entirely appropriate motif for a coin for a largely rural country but the design may imply something more. It can be read as a symbol of renewal, but can also be seen as symbol of stability, after the turbulence of the war and the years immediately following. The portrait is excellent, and does justice to Zogu, who, whatever his shortcomings, was a handsome and impressive figure.