Albania's paper note currency has a relatively short history, dating back to the early 20th century when the country gained independence from the Ottoman Empire. The first Albanian paper notes were introduced in 1926 by the National Bank of Albania and featured images of local landmarks and historical figures.
During World War II, Albania was occupied by Italy and later by Germany, leading to significant economic turmoil and hyperinflation. As a result, a new series of paper notes were introduced in 1945 after the country was liberated, featuring the portrait of Enver Hoxha, the leader of the communist government.
After the collapse of communism in 1991, a new series of paper notes were introduced by the Bank of Albania, featuring images of notable Albanians, including Mother Teresa, Skanderbeg, and Ismail Qemali, among others. The designs also incorporated local landmarks and scenery.
Since then, the Bank of Albania has periodically updated the designs of its paper notes to incorporate new security features and to reflect the country's cultural and historical heritage. Today, the Albanian paper note currency consists of denominations ranging from 200 to 10,000 lekë.