The 50-leke, the only currency that was counterfeited in 2025/ Historical minimum of counterfeit banknotes. Only 107 were seized
In a year when around 504 billion lekë circulated in the Albanian economy, counterfeiters left a minimal mark. The Bank of Albania's 2025 report shows that only 107 counterfeit banknotes and 119 counterfeit coins were seized in circulation, while the level of counterfeiting of banknotes fell to a new historical minimum: only 0.64 counterfeit banknotes per 1 million pieces in circulation.
According to figures, counterfeiting of coins in circulation has been decreasing year after year.
The most interesting detail of the report is regarding the coins. It seems that the 50-leke remains the only coin identified as counterfeit. In a market where around 311 million coins circulated, their counterfeiting is practically peripheral.
On the other hand, there were about 178 million banknotes in circulation, worth approximately 496 billion lek. According to the structural distribution, the largest share of counterfeit banknotes is made up of the 5,000 lek denomination, followed by the 2,000 lek and 1,000 lek denominations.
According to the "Bank of Albania", the counterfeits identified during 2025 are simple reproductions, made with commercial digital equipment, with artisanal interventions to imitate the visible security elements. The security elements readable by the authentication devices do not result in being imitated in any case, which confirms the effectiveness of the protective technologies used.
At the same time, the "Bank of Albania" processed around 91.1 million banknotes, checking their authenticity and suitability for recirculation. The unfitness rate remained at 21.3%, while damaged banknotes were systematically replaced.
Compared to 2024, the number of banknotes increased by about 17 million pieces, while that of coins by 20 million pieces. The increase in the number and value of banknotes in circulation indicates a shift in the structure towards larger denominations, mainly 5,000 and 10,000 lekë.
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