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5 Franka Ari
| Issuer | Banka Kombëtare e Shqipnis |
|---|---|
| Year | 1926 |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Size | 112 × 66 mm |
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| Obverse description | Intaglio-printed portrait vignette of a child in traditional Central Albanian dress at right, wearing a characteristic white qeleshe cap. The centre of the note carries the denomination in both Albanian and Italian, a promise-to-pay clause in both languages, and two facsimile signatures below the titles Kryetari / Il Presidente and Këshilltari Sekretar / Il Consigliere Segretario, all set against an intricate guilloche underprint. The bilingual bank name runs across the top, with numeral 5 corner pieces and an ornate foliate border framing the entire design. |
|---|---|
| Obverse lettering | Banka Kombëtare e Shqipnis Banca Nazionale d'Albania Pesë Franka Ari Cinque Franchi Oro Të Pagueshëme Në Të Pamë Pruësit Pagabili a Vista al Portatore Kryetari Il Presidente Këshilltari Sekretar Il Consigliere Segretario Ligji Denon Fabrikatoret Dhe Shpërndasit e Biletave të Falsifikuëme La Legge Punisce i Fabbricatori e gli Spacciatori di Biglietti Falsi (Translation: Banka Kombëtare e Shqipnis (Albanian): National Bank of Albania / Banca Nazionale d'Albania (Italian): National Bank of Albania / Pesë Franka Ari (Albanian): Five Gold Francs / Cinque Franchi Oro (Italian): Five Gold Francs / Të Pagueshëme Në Të Pamë Pruësit (Albanian): Payable to the Bearer on Demand / Pagabili a Vista al Portatore (Italian): Payable to the Bearer on Demand / Kryetari / Il Presidente: The President / Këshilltari Sekretar / Il Consigliere Segretario: The Secretary Councillor) |
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| Comments |
The Banka Kombëtare e Shqipnis was established in 1925 as a joint Italian-Albanian venture, with Italian capital dominating from the outset — the bilingual signature pairings on this note, both involving Gambino, reflect that arrangement directly. The choice of Bradbury Wilkinson for the printing contract was standard for a new sovereign institution wanting European credibility on its currency; the London firm handled similar commissions across the Balkans and Near East during this period.
The serial prefix split between the two signature combinations — A through L for Alberti/Gambino, M through X for Bianchini/Gambino — suggests a mid-run change in bank administration rather than a planned dual issue.