Obverse. Photo © Numisbalt
  • 10 Lekë 1991, KM# 68, Albania, Barcelona 1992 Summer Olympics
  • 10 Lekë 1991, KM# 68, Albania, Barcelona 1992 Summer Olympics
Description

The 1992 Summer Olympic Games were held in Barcelona, Spain, from July 25 to August 9, marking a significant and symbolic event in Olympic history. These Games were notable for being the first after the end of the Cold War, with many newly independent nations participating for the first time, including former Soviet republics under the banner of the Unified Team, and the return of South Africa after decades of apartheid-related exclusion. A total of 169 nations competed, with over 9,300 athletes. Barcelona 1992 is also remembered for its vibrant cultural presentation, impressive urban transformation, and iconic moments like the performance of the U.S. "Dream Team" in basketball. The Games are widely credited with rejuvenating the city of Barcelona, both economically and culturally.

Obverse

Depicts a horse and rider jumping over, surrounded by the inscription in Spanish "GAMES OF THE XXV OLYMPIAD BARCELONA" alongside the rim with date below.

The equestrian events at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics were held at the Real Club de Polo de Barcelona, a prestigious venue adapted for Olympic competition. The events included the traditional three disciplines: dressage, eventing, and show jumping, each with individual and team competitions.

Notably, Germany dominated the equestrian events, especially in dressage, where they swept both individual and team golds. Eventing was held partly in Club Hípic El Montanyà, with cross-country taking place in a rural mountain area outside Barcelona, offering a challenging and scenic course. The equestrian events were praised for their organization and for showcasing the beauty and skill of the sport in a setting that blended urban sophistication with natural landscapes.

XXV OLYMPIADA BARCELONA · ALBANIA - JUEGOS DE LA
19 92

Reverse

Depicts Athena setting aside one hand on the rock and the other holding a torch on the beach, a barque and beacon in the background, country name in Italian above, year of issue below, and denomination up the knee of Athens.

Athena is the ancient Greek goddess of wisdom, war strategy, and crafts, and one of the most revered deities in the Olympian pantheon. According to myth, she was born fully grown and armored from the forehead of Zeus, symbolizing her role as a goddess of intellect and battle prowess. Unlike Ares, who represented brute force, Athena embodied strategic warfare and rationality. She was also a patron of weaving, pottery, and other crafts, and was considered the protector of cities, most notably Athens, which was named in her honor after she gifted the olive tree to its people. Athena is commonly depicted wearing a helmet, carrying a shield (often featuring the head of Medusa), and accompanied by an owl, a symbol of wisdom. She played a central role in many Greek myths and epics, including The Odyssey and The Iliad, and was deeply honored in ancient Greek religion and civic life.

ALBANIA
10 LEKË
1991

Edge

10 Lekë

People's Socialist Republic
KM# 68
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.925
Weight 52.5 g
Diameter 39 mm
Thickness 2.5 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Central Bank of Hungary (MNB)

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