Obverse. KM# 50.1: no date. Photo © Katz Auction
  • 10 Lekë 1968-1970, KM# 50, Albania, 500th Anniversary of Death of Skanderbeg, Skanderbeg Monument,  KM# 50.1: no date
  • 10 Lekë 1968-1970, KM# 50, Albania, 500th Anniversary of Death of Skanderbeg, Skanderbeg Monument
  • 10 Lekë 1968-1970, KM# 50, Albania, 500th Anniversary of Death of Skanderbeg, Skanderbeg Monument, KM# 50.2: with date, fineness on the left
  • 10 Lekë 1968-1970, KM# 50, Albania, 500th Anniversary of Death of Skanderbeg, Skanderbeg Monument, KM# 50.3: with date, fineness on the right
  • 10 Lekë 1968-1970, KM# 50, Albania, 500th Anniversary of Death of Skanderbeg, Skanderbeg Monument, KM# 50.4: with date, Hallmark countermark (left), fineness (right)
Description

Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg (1405–1468) was an Albanian noble and military commander who led a rebellion against the Ottoman Empire, becoming a symbol of Albanian resistance and Christian defense in Europe. Born into the Castriot family, he was taken as a child by the Ottomans under the Devshirme system, trained as a Janissary, and rose to the rank of Sanjakbey of Dibra. In 1443, he defected during the Battle of Niš, reclaiming Krujë, Svetigrad, and Modrič and uniting Albanian principalities under the League of Lezhë (1444)—the first recorded Albanian national alliance. For 25 years, with an army of 10,000 men, he waged a successful guerrilla war against larger Ottoman forces, securing victories that made him a key figure in European resistance against Ottoman expansion. He also fought alongside the Kingdom of Naples and the Venetians. Though his rebellion was limited to northern Albania and did not gain full national support, his military prowess and unbroken victories made him one of the most celebrated figures in Albanian and European history. He signed his name as Dominus Albaniae ("Lord of Albania") and remains Albania’s national hero.

Obverse

Depicts the Emblem of the People's Republic of Albania above, surrounded by four stars from each side, the denomination, the issue year (if any) and purity (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.

24 MAJ 1944
10
⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ 1000 LEKË ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆

Reverse

Depicts the Skanderbeg Monument, the country name in Albanian and Italian above, his name in Albanian below, and the dates of his death and the year of issue on both sides.

The Skanderbeg Monument is a prominent equestrian statue located in Skanderbeg Square in Tirana, Albania, dedicated to the national hero Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg. Unveiled in 1968 to mark the 500th anniversary of his death, the monument depicts Skanderbeg on horseback, wearing traditional armor and holding a sword, symbolizing his resistance against the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. Created by sculptor Odhise Paskali, it stands as a powerful symbol of Albanian independence, pride, and national identity.

SHQIPËRI·ALBANIA
1468 1968
GJERGJ KASTRIOTI - SKËNDERBEU

Edge

10 Lekë

People's Socialist Republic
KM# 50
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.999
Weight 33.33 g
Diameter 40 mm
Thickness 2.5 mm
Shape round
Alignment Coin
Alt # KM# 50.1, KM# 50.2, KM# 50.3, KM# 50.4
Mint
Budapest Mint (BP)

Related coins

People's Socialist Republic, League of Lezhë

500th Anniversary of Death of Skanderbeg

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Pattern, People's Socialist Republic, Skanderbeg Monument

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Silver, 31.6 g, ⌀ 40 mm