The 500 bimetallic Lire was a coin minted in Italy from 1982 to 2001, the year in which Italy adopted the euro as its official currency. They were composed of two different metals: the external roundel was made of bronze (bronzital), while the internal roundel was made of steel (acmonital). Their diameter was 25.8 mm and weight 6.8 grams.
The characteristics of the 500 Lire bimetallic coins
The reverse of the coin featured the portrait of Dante Alighieri, the famous Italian poet, by the sculptor Silvio Consadori. The obverse had the value 500 LIRE and the oak leaf, symbol of the Italian Republic, created by the engraver Guido Veroi. They were available in several variations, which differed in the engraver’s signature and some minor details on the reverse. The most common are:
- Small signature “A” (1984, 1985, 2000, 2001): this is the most common and widespread variant.
- Small signature “B” (1987): this variant is a little less common than the previous one and stands out for some small details in the portrait of Dante.
- Large Signature “A” (1982, 1983, 1986, 1988-1992, 1995): This variant features a larger and more visible engraver’s signature.
- Special variants: there are also some special variants of the bimetallic 500 Lire, minted to commemorate particular events or dedicated to famous people.
Today, the 500 bimetallic lire no longer have value as a means of payment. However, they may have some collectible value, especially rarer variants or those in excellent condition. Their value on the numismatic market varies based on several factors, including rarity, condition and demand from collectors. In general, the value of the 500 bimetallic Lire is around a few euro cents for common coins, but some rare examples or those in exceptional condition can be sold for several tens or even hundreds of euros.
Here are other special 500 Lire coins with a prestigious collector’s value
Among the 500 Lire coins minted in Italy, some are considered particularly rare and precious for collectors. These coins are often sought after due to their limited mintage, unique features, or historical significance.
In 1957 a 500 lire coin was minted trial: these are specimens that were never officially put into circulation, which feature the design of the coin Caravel but with the writing PROBA incusa on the reverse. Their extreme rarity makes them highly sought after by collectors, with values ranging from several thousand euros to tens of thousands of euros.
Subsequently, the aforementioned 500 Lire were issued Caravels. Some of these, minted in the period between 1958 and 1967, are known for their elegant design which presents a stylized representation of a caravel, but in particular in many there are minting errors, such as double impressions, off-center cones or misalignments . These error coins can have significant value to collectors, depending on the specific error and its condition.
A few years later, in 1961, on the occasion of the 100th Anniversary of Unity, the 500 Lire coin was used to commemorate the event: this coin features a unique design with a laurel wreath and the writing CENTENARY OF UNITED ITALY. Its limited edition and historical significance make it a valuable collector’s item, with prices ranging from several hundred euros to a few thousand euros.
Finally, remember the 500 Lire, known as Dante Alighieri, in 1971; This commemorative coin, minted for the 700th anniversary of the birth of Dante Alighieri, features a portrait of the famous poet on the obverse and the emblem of the Italian Republic on the reverse. Its limited edition and association with a literary icon make it a desirable collector’s item, with values typically ranging from a few hundred euros to over a thousand euros.
