In 19, a new coinage was introduced, with a bronze 1 lek coin, a nickel plated steel 5 lek coin, aluminum-bronze 10 and 20 lek coins, and a cupronickel 50 lek coin. In 1965, aluminum coins (dated 1964) were introduced in denominations of 5, 10, 20, and 50 qindarka and 1 lek. These coins were minted once more in 1957, and were used until the currency reform of 1965. This new series consisted of zinc ½, 1, 2, and 5 lek coins. In 1947, after Albania gained independence from Italy and Nazi Germany, new coins were introduced.

In 1940, aluminum-bronze 0.05 and 0.10 lek coins were introduced. In 1935, bronze 1 and 2 qindar ar coins were introduced, having a value equal to the 5 and 10 qindar leku coins.Īfter the Italian occupation of Albania, stainless steel 0.20, 0.50, 1, and 2 lek, and silver 5 and 10 lek coins were introduced, with the silver coins only issued in 1939. In 1926, bronze 5 and 10 qindar lek coins were introduced, along with nickel ¼, ½, and 1 lek coins, and silver 1, 2, and 5 franga ari coins.

Thus, the term has the same meaning as centime, cent, centesimo, euro cent, stotinka, etc. The name 'qindarkë' is derived from the Albanian word, qind, meaning 'one hundred'.

Others state that it was named after Albanian feudal Lekë Dukagjini. Some believe the currency was named after the Macedonian conqueror, Alexander the Great, for being depicted on the obverse and reverse of the first 1 lek coin. The lek's etymology is questioned, but there are two commonly accepted theories. The lek was introduced in 1926 during the reign of King Zog I (Ahmet Zogu). The lek may be named after Alexander the Great, who was depicted on the first lek coin.

Leke currency