Obverse. Photo © Katz Auction
  • 10 Lekë 1992, KM# 70, Albania, Barcelona 1992 Summer Olympics
  • 10 Lekë 1992, KM# 70, 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 the Emblem of the People's Republic of Albania dividing the date, the country name in Albanian above, in Italian 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 E SHQIPËRISE
19 92
24. MAI 1944
ALBANIA

Reverse

Depicts the corner of the ring with two boxers fighting, an inscription in Albanian "1992 Olympic Games" below, the country name in Italian above the right side, and the denomination, divided by the rope of the ring.

Boxing at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona featured a total of 12 weight classes, with competitions held from July 26 to August 9 at the Pavelló Club Joventut Badalona. The event was notable for its high level of competition and for showcasing future professional stars. Among the standout athletes was Oscar De La Hoya of the United States, who won gold in the lightweight division, launching a successful professional career afterward. Cuba dominated the boxing tournament, winning 7 gold medals, reaffirming its status as a global boxing powerhouse. The 1992 Games were also the last Olympics to use headgear for all boxers before major changes in amateur boxing rules were implemented in later years.

Engraver: Willem Vis

ALBANIA
10
LEKË
LOJRAT 1992 OLIMPIKE

Edge

10 Lekë

People's Socialist Republic
KM# 70
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.925
Weight 28.46 g
Diameter 39 mm
Thickness 2.5 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Central Bank of Hungary (MNB)

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