5 Lekë, Albanian State Bank, Albania, 1964–1976 (Pick 35a)

This 5 Lekë note was issued in Albania by the Albanian State Bank, with dates recorded from 1964–1976. It belongs to the New lek (1965-date) currency system. Issuing authority and period recorded in the catalogue: Socialist Republic (1945-1990). It measures 125 × 65 mm and is printed on paper. The Standard Catalog of World Paper Money lists the type as Pick 35a.

Obverse: Truck standing by the river bank at right, Steam train travelling on the bridge over river in the background. Its lettering reads “BANKA E SHTETIT SHQIPTAR / PESË LEKË / I PAGUHEN PRURËSIT ME TË PARË”. Translation given in the catalogue: “ALBANIAN STATE BANK FIVE LEKS PAID TO THE BEARING FIRST”. Reverse: Cargo ship at sea, National Coat of Arms above denomination at right. Its lettering reads “BANKA E SHTETIT SHQIPTAR / Pesë lekë / LIGJA DËNON ATA QË FABRIKOJNË / DHE NDAJNË BILETA TË FALLSIFIKUARA”. Translation given in the catalogue: “ALBANIAN STATE BANK Five Leks THE LAW PUNISHES THOSE WHO FABRICATE AND SHARE COUNTERFEIT TICKETS”.

Watermark: P#42 with stars:. Demonetized: Yes. Identification note: match the value, issuing bank, printed date and Pick number together; dates and signature combinations distinguish sub-varieties, which are not separated in this entry. Details follow the Numista catalogue entry and the Standard Catalog reference it cites; they have not been checked against a central-bank archive.