Albania 1931-L lek
The first specimen was lot 23028 in Stack's Bowers NYINC sale (New York, January 2023), where it sold for $1,920. The catalog description[1] noted, "ALBANIA. Lek, 1931-L. London Mint. Zog I. PCGS PROOF-66 Cameo. RARE in proof format, the special strike quality of this piece elevates the overall eye appeal of the design to new heights. Boomingly mirrored fields provide stark contrast for the lightly frosted devices, generating a cameo pop that is seldom encountered on nickel issues. Only the faintest touches of fog are seen, with this Lek otherwise displaying no evidence of handling, friction, or mark. A piece that is stunning to hold in hand when presenting in proof. From the Star City Homer Collection." The second specimen was lot 40487 in the same sale, where it did not sell. The catalog description[1] noted, "ALBANIA. Lek, 1931-L. London Mint. Zog I. NGC AU-58. From the Star City Homer Collection." Albania was created in 1912 during the Balkan Wars by the Great Powers as a means of preventing the region from falling into Greek or Serbian control. This type was struck in 1926-27 and 1930-31. Only the proofs are rare. Zog, tho a ruthless and capable leader, was unable to prevent Albania from falling into Italy's orbit and Mussolini's grandiose plans for the restoration of the Roman Empire. In 1939, Italy invaded and annexed Albania.
Recorded mintage: 1,000,000 plus proofs.
Specification: 8 g, nickel, 26.7 mm diameter.
Catalog reference: KM-5.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, The January 2023 NYINC Auction: Ancient Coins, World Coins & Paper Money, featuring the Taraszka Collection and the Mark and Dottie Salton Collection, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2022.
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