Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 5 Lekë 1987, KM# 57, Albania, Durrës Castle
  • 5 Lekë 1987, KM# 57, Albania, Durrës Castle
Description

Durrës Castle (Kalaja e Durrësit) is a medieval fortress in Durrës, Albania, originally built in the 5th century during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Anastasius I, who was born in Durrës. The castle was later reinforced by the Venetians and Ottomans, making it a key defensive structure along the Adriatic coast. It features massive stone walls, round towers, and remnants of ancient fortifications. One of its most famous landmarks is the Venetian Tower, a well-preserved circular tower that now serves as a popular tourist attraction. Over the centuries, the castle played a crucial role in defending Durrës from invasions, including attacks by Ottoman and Italian forces. Today, it stands as an important historical and cultural monument of Albania.

Obverse

Depicts the Emblem of the People's Republic of Albania surrounded by the country name in Albanian, and the dates below.

The Emblem of the People's Republic of Albania featured a black double-headed eagle, a symbol rooted in Byzantine and medieval Albanian heraldry, most famously used by Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg during his 15th-century resistance against the Ottoman Empire. The eagle was surrounded by golden wheat ears, representing agriculture and unity, and topped with a red five-pointed star, the universal symbol of communism. A red ribbon at the bottom bore the date "24 Maj 1944", commemorating the Congress of Përmet, where Albanian communist leaders established a provisional government modeled after Yugoslavia’s anti-fascist council.

Shqipëri is the native Albanian name for Albania, used by Albanians to refer to their country. The term is derived from "shqipe" or "shqiponjë," meaning "eagle", symbolizing the legendary connection between Albanians and the double-headed eagle. The name Shqipëri roughly translates to "Land of the Eagles," reflecting national pride and independence.

REPUBLIKA POPULLORE SOCIALISTE E SHQIPERISE
24 MAJ 1944
1987

Reverse

Depicts a side view of the Venetian Tower of Durrës Castle with 4 cannons in front of the sea with a Three-masted barque, country name in Italian above, denomination below, and the castle name at the left alongside the rim.

The Venetian Tower of Durrës is a well-preserved circular tower that forms part of the Durrës Castle fortifications in Durrës, Albania. Built in the 15th century by the Venetians, it was constructed on top of older Byzantine walls to strengthen the city's coastal defenses. Made of thick stone walls, the tower served as a strategic watchtower and defensive stronghold against Ottoman invasions. Today, it is one of Durrës' most recognizable landmarks and a popular tourist attraction. The tower offers panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea and the city, and it has been repurposed as a café and cultural space, preserving its historical significance.

Engraver: Gyorgy Bornar

ALBANIA
KALAJA E DURRESIT
BGY
5 LEKË

Edge

5 Lekë

People's Socialist Republic

Durrës Castle

KM# 57
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Cupronickel
Weight 28.2 g
Diameter 38.7 mm
Thickness 2.5 mm
Shape round
Alignment Coin
Mint
Central Bank of Hungary (MNB)

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