Albania (Italian Occupation). Silver 5 Lek Coin.
Mint Year: 1939 Reference: KM-33. Denomination: 5 Lek Mint Place: Rome (Italy) Material: Silver (.835) Diameter: 23mm Weight: 5gm
Obverse: Bare head of Victor Emanuel III of Italy left. Legend: VITT . EM . III RE E IMP . MBRET E PER .
Reverse: Albanian eagle, flanked by fasces and dual date (1939/XVIII). Bi-lingual inscription and value in fields. Legend: SHQIPINI / ALBANIA
Albanian Kingdom existed as a protectorate of the Kingdom of Italy, officially led by Italy’s King Victor Emmanuel III and its government led by Italian governors between 1939 after being occupied by Italy until 1943. During this time, Albania ceased to exist as an independent country, and existed as an autonomous part of the Italian Empire led by Italian government officials who intended to make Albania part of a Greater Italy.