The history of the 10 lire coins is very long, starting already in the period of the Kingdom of Italy. But it is since the proclamation of the Italian Republic that the 10 lire coins have undergone important transformations, starting with the variety of metals: in the period between 1947 and 1950, the 10 lire coins, which featured an olive branch on the obverse and the value on the reverse, they are made of brass; from 1951 until the total dismantling, the best known and therefore most widespread 10 lire coins were minted, featuring a plow on the obverse and two ears of wheat on the reverse with the value also indicated, while the material is Italma (an alloy of Italian aluminum and magnesium).
Let’s see them in detail
The 10 lire olive tree coin
It was 1946 and the State Mint had begun to mint the first 10 lire coins with Olive Tree, while on the other side, in addition to the nominal value, Pegasus was represented, the famous winged horse of Greek mythology. On the first piece there was the indication “proof”, engraved on the lower part on the right side inside the facade: this is a truly unique piece, highly sought after by collectors who would pay a fortune to have it in their collection. Subsequently, coins intended for circulation began to be minted, obviously without the word “proof”.
The collectible value of these coins starts from €500 for those in FdC, while the 10 lire Olivo coins in excellent condition are close to €400 and, in the case of fair conditions, a value of 200 euros can be reached.
There are also exceptional cases, such as the 10 lire Olivo coins minted in 1947, because there is a piece that represents a true rarity, that is, it has the R3 grade: this particular coin from 1947, in FdC can have a value greater than 4,500 euros , in splendid condition for around 3,000 and in good condition for around 1,700 euros.
The 10 lire coin Ears
Starting from 1951, it was the turn of a new 10 lire coin, commonly known as 10 lire Ears, due to the presence of the representation of ears of corn on the obverse. These coins were conceived as such from 1951 to 1956, and again from 1965 to 2001, although starting from 2000 they were truly a rarity in circulation. In reality, the 10 lire Spighe coin was no longer minted in the 1980s, but there were several examples still in circulation, making it still easily available. The design was the reason why it replaced the previous one: as already mentioned, on the obverse the ears were shown, symbol of the work of the average Italian linked to the cultivation of the land, while on the other side we find the plough, also in this case a clear reference to the main source of sustenance of our nation. This coin is characterized by the presence of a smooth outline.
As for the value, for the first 10 lire Spighe coins it is around €25, which increases significantly with those which show 1954 as the year of minting: its value in Brilliant Uncirculated form can exceed 90 euros, while it is worth just €1 in normal conditions.
