Albania, Republic, Prova nickel Lek, 1927, as currency coin but prova in field (KM Pf. 18 = KM 5). Extremely fine or better, very rare (£150-180)

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

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The Lek represents another fine design by Romagnoli. Pagani tells us the portrait is of Alexander the Great and the reverse an allegorical representation of the warrior Prince, Skanderbeg. Why the head of Alexander the Great was chosen is not clear, but it should be remembered that Alexander, to the chagrin of the Greeks, became an important spiritual symbol in many cultures, and is even mentioned in the Koran. The reverse shows an ancient Illyrian warrior galloping forward, a sword raised above his head. Ancient writers speak of the Illyrians, ancestors of modern Albanians as friendly and hospitable, but also mention their audacity and bravery in war. The design is thus an excellent symbol of a tough and resilient nation. The coin seems to have struck a chord and continued to be struck even after Alabania became a monarchy.