Security features
Banknotes security features help you distinguish a genuine from a counterfeit banknote. Some of these security features of Albanian banknotes include:
- Watermark (visible design inside the letter). Each banknote has a three-dimensional watermark, a portrait that corresponds to the main portrait of the banknote, when seen against the light.
- See through register. The following denominations have a specific element called see through. It is printed on the reverse of the note and matches perfectly to the space not printed on the obverse, when seen against the light.
- Raised print. Raised print is used in most visible parts of the note and has a raised surface, which is more tactile in the main texts and image.
- Optically variable ink . This security feature is found in 500, 2000 and 5000 Lekë denominations. The colour of ink varies depending on the viewing angle, from violet to dark green. OVI serigraphic prevents reproduction via scanner or photocopy.
- Hologram. In their obverse, 2000 and 5000 Lekë notes have a hologram, which presents different images depending on the viewing angle.
- Ultraviolet properties. All denominations of the new series have surfaces printed in fluorescent ink, visible under UV light. This quality applies also to the security thread and invisible fibres.
- Elements for recognition by blind or visually impaired persons.
- FCO® seal. This element, found in the 1000 lekë denomination, offers two levels of security. The colour of ink changes from violet to dark green when the note is tilted. Depending on the viewing angle, one may see in the background the building of the Bank of Albania, its initials "BSH“ and the value numeral “1000”, which are stamped.
New 5000 lekë Note | ||
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On 15 May 2009, the Bank of Albania put in circulation a 5000 Lekë note, of legal tender, issue of 2007. It retains the same design and size as the 5000 Lekë note, issue of 2001. The new banknote has additional or improved security and damage-resistant features.
Main changes to the issue of 2007:
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New 2000 lekë Note | ||
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The Bank of Albania put in circulation on 29 December 2008, a new legal tender note of 2000 Lekë.
Security elements:
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New 1000 lekë Note | ||
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On 14 November 2008, the Bank of Albania put in circulation a 1000 Lekë note, of legal tender, issue of 2007. It retains the same design and size as the 1000 Lekë note, issue of 2001. The new banknote has additional or improved security and damage-resistant features. Older issues of 1000 Lekë notes shall continue to be legal tender and shall continue to be in circulation, along with the new note, issue of 2007.
Main changes to the issue of 2007 include:
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New 500 lekë Note | ||
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On 16 February 2009, the Bank of Albania shall put in circulation a 500 Lekë note, of legal tender, issue of 2007. It retains the same design and size as the 500 Lekë note, issue of 2001. The new banknote has additional or improved security and damage-resistant features.
Older issues of 500 Lekë notes shall continue to be legal tender and shall continue to be in circulation, along with the new note, issue of 2007.
Main changes to the issue of 2007 include:
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New 200 lekë Note | ||
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On 20 July 2009, the Bank of Albania shall put in circulation a 200 Lekë note, of legal tender, issue of 2007. It retains the same design and size as the 200 Lekë note, issue of 2001. The new banknote has additional or improved security and damage-resistant features. Older issues of 200 Lekë notes shall continue to be legal tender and shall continue to be in circulation, along with the new note, issue of 2007.
Main changes to the issue of 2007 include:
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