How to Identify the 2 Lire
A collector's guide to spotting the Papal States silver 2 Lire of Pius IX: portrait, legends, size, metal, and look-alikes.
Read the full 2 Lire encyclopedia entry →
Start with the portrait and legend. A genuine Papal States 2 Lire of this era shows a bare, right-facing bust of Pope Pius IX surrounded by a Latin legend built on his name and pontifical titles (forms of PIVS IX PON. MAX.), with the year beneath or beside the truncation. The photographed coin's right-facing papal profile and 1867 date are the key first checkpoints.
Turn to the reverse to confirm denomination and issuer. Papal lira coinage states the value plainly (as 'L. 2') alongside Holy See heraldry or a wreath and the Roma mint identifier. If the value reads other than two lire, you have a different denomination in the same series (1 Lira, 5 Lire, or smaller silver).
Check size and metal against the standard. As a Latin Monetary Union 2-lire module, it should measure about 27 mm and weigh roughly 10 g in .835 fine silver. A silver coin of this diameter that is markedly under- or over-weight, or that fails a specific-gravity check, warrants suspicion.
Be alert to look-alikes. Kingdom of Italy 2 Lire of the 1860s-1870s are the same diameter and metal but show a different (secular) portrait and Italian legends rather than Latin papal ones. Distinguish the two by the ecclesiastical legend and the papal bust, not by size alone.
Finally, apply basic authentication caution. Cast copies show soft, mushy detail, seams on the edge, and wrong weight; tooled or cleaned coins show unnatural surfaces. For any high-value date or grade, seek a specialist opinion or third-party grading before buying.
Frequently asked questions
How do I tell a Papal 2 Lire from an Italian one?
Look at the portrait and legend: the Papal issue shows Pope Pius IX with a Latin ecclesiastical legend, while the Kingdom of Italy coin shows a secular ruler with Italian legends. Both share size and metal, so read the inscriptions.
What size and weight should it be?
It follows the Latin Monetary Union 2-lire standard: about 27 mm in diameter and roughly 10 grams of .835 fine silver. Significant deviation is a red flag.
What mint made the 2 Lire?
The Papal States silver was struck at the Rome mint, identified on the coin by the Roma mint marking associated with the Holy See.
How can I check if mine is authentic?
Compare weight, diameter, and specific gravity to the silver standard, inspect for casting seams or mushy detail, and for valuable dates get a specialist or third-party grading opinion.