Republic (1946-2001) Coin List
The Italian Republic, established in 1946 following a referendum that abolished the monarchy, marked the beginning of a new era for Italy. During this period, which lasted until 2001 with the introduction of the euro, the country underwent significant political, economic and social changes that were reflected in its monetary system.
The birth of the republican lira
With the establishment of the Republic, Italy introduced a new series of currencies that reflected the values and ideals of the new government. The Italian lira, which had been the country's currency since unification in 1861, remained the official monetary unit. However, the designs changed drastically, abandoning royal portraits in favor of republican symbols and allegories. The first republican issues included denominations from 1 lira to 100 lire, with motifs such as the goddess Rome, olive branches and cornucopias, symbolizing peace and prosperity. As the Italian economy recovered and grew during the"Italian economic miracle" of the 1950s and 1960s, higher denominations were introduced, such as the 500 lira coin in 1958.
Monetary evolution and challenges
Over the following decades, the Italian monetary system faced various challenges. Rising inflation led to the introduction of higher and higher denominations, culminating with the 1000 lira coin in 1997. Coin designs continued to evolve, reflecting Italy's rich history and culture. Notable commemorative issues included the 500 lira coin of 1975, celebrating the 30th anniversary of liberation, and the 200 lira series dedicated to workers. In the 1990s, Italy prepared for the transition to the euro, participating in the European Monetary System and adjusting its monetary policy. The last series of lira, issued in the years leading up to 2002, included innovative bimetallic designs and more durable alloys, marking the end of an era for Italian numismatics before the adoption of the common European currency.
The most valuable and popular coins
The most valuable Republic (1946-2001) coins and sought after by collectors according to Foronum statistics are the following:
The valuation of these coins list has been achieved through a meticulous algorithm that considers the current market, taking into account aspects such as material, weight, diameter, edge, year of mintage, mint of manufacture and the number of coins produced. Coins with limited mintages and in good condition are usually among the most valuable.
Old coins of Italy
To facilitate their classification, we have decided to organise the coins according to their historical period, you can consult the coins by historical numismatic categories of Italy.
Victor Manuel II 1861-1878 Umberto I 1878-1900 Victor Manuel III 1900-1946 Republic 1946-2001 Euro 2002-?Coin Catalog
Italia | 1 lire
Italia | 2 lire
Italia | 5 lire
Italia | 10 lire
Italia | 1 lire
Italia | 5 lire
Italia | 10 lire
Italia | 2 lire
Italia | 50 lire
Italia | 50 lire
Italia | 100 lire
Italia | 100 lire
Italia | 20 lire
Italia | 20 lire
Italia | 500 lire
Italia | 500 lire (Centenary of the Italian Unification)
Italia | 500 lire (700th Anniversary of the Birth of Dante Alighieri)
Italia | 1.000 lire (Centenary of Rome as Italian Capital)
Italia | 100 lire (100th Anniversary of the Birth of Guglielmo Marconi)
Italia | 500 lire ((100th Anniversary of the Birth of Guglielmo Marconi)
Italia | 500 lire (500th Anniversary of the Birth of Michelangelo Buonarroti)
Italia | 200 lire
Italia | 100 lire (FAO-Nourish the World)
Italia | 200 lire (FAO-International Women's Year)
Italia | 100 lire (Centenary of the Livorno Naval Academy)
Other resources to find coins and banknotes of Italy
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