The Italian Lira has its roots in the Kingdom of Italy, born in 1861. Its history is closely linked to the political and economic events of the country, going through periods of stability, inflation and even wars.
With the proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy, the need arose to unify the multitude of pre-existing regional currencies. The Lira, based on the decimal system and minted in gold, silver and bronze, became the official currency in 1862.
The history of the Lira in the Kingdom of Italy is a complex and nuanced tale, which reflects the historical, economic and social events of the country. Despite the difficulties and crises it has experienced, the Lira has represented a symbol of Italian national identity for decades.
The Italian Lira, born with the unification of the country, has gone through periods of splendor and crisis, accompanying Italy along its historical path. Its story offers a valuable lesson on the importance of economic stability and sound management of public finances.
Here are some of the most famous banknotes of the Kingdom of Italy
The first is undoubtedly the 100 lire with King Vittorio Emanuele III, produced between 1902 and 1943. It is one of the most common of the Kingdom of Italy, which features the profile of King Vittorio Emanuele III on the obverse and the coat of arms of the Kingdom on the reverse. It was available in several color variations, including pink, green and blue. Its value varies depending on the date and condition, but is generally between 10 and 50 euros.
There 500 Italian lire it was introduced in 1918 (and remained in vogue until 1943) to deal with inflation during the First World War; this banknote became one of the most widespread in the Kingdom of Italy. It features an allegory of Italy on the obverse and the Vittoriano in Rome on the reverse. Its value varies depending on the date and condition, but is generally between 50 and 100 euros.
You can’t forget them 1000 lire Vittorio Emanuele III, printed from 1926 to 1943, was the highest denomination in circulation during the Kingdom of Italy. It depicts the bust of King Vittorio Emanuele III on the obverse and the Roman Eagle on the reverse. It was considered a high-denomination ticket and its value today varies depending on the date and condition, but can reach several thousand euros.
There is another note worth mentioning; it’s about the 50 Empire lire, issued during the fascist period, that this 50 lire banknote features a profile portrait of King Vittorio Emanuele III on the obverse with the wording “EMPERATOR” and on the reverse the Roman Eagle with the writing “LL 50”. Its value varies depending on the date and condition, but is generally between 20 and 50 euros.
Finally, the 100 Empire lire, a banknote similar to the 50 imperial lire, features a profile portrait of King Vittorio Emanuele III with the wording “EMPERATOR” on the obverse and the Roman Eagle with the writing “LL 100” on the reverse. Its value varies depending on the date and condition, but is generally between 40 and 100 euros.
In addition to these common banknotes, there are also rarer and more valuable specimens, such as limited editions, banknotes with printing errors or those with particular graphic characteristics. The value of these banknotes can be much higher, even several thousand euros.
