10 Lire (Ararat / Olive Branch and Plough series)

Italy (Italian Republic) · 1956

A lightweight aluminum coin featuring an agricultural plow on the obverse and two ears of wheat with the denomination '10' on the reverse.

Country: Italy (Italian Republic)
Year: 1956
Denomination: 10 Lire
Metal: Italma (aluminum-magnesium alloy)

This report is AI-generated and can be wrong. Always verify grade, authenticity, and value with a qualified dealer or certified grading service before buying, selling, or insuring.

Identified September 14, 2026More italy (italian republic) coins →

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Overview

A lightweight aluminum coin featuring an agricultural plow on the obverse and two ears of wheat with the denomination '10' on the reverse.

Historical significance

Issued during the post-WWII reconstruction period of the Italian Republic, this design emphasizes Italy's agricultural foundation and economic recovery.

Obverse (front)

Features a large agricultural plow facing left, surrounded by the legend 'REPUBBLICA ITALIANA', with the mint mark 'R' and the year '1956' at the bottom.

Reverse (back)

Features a large denomination '10' to the right next to two detailed ears of wheat intertwined with stems at the bottom.

Estimated value

$0.50 - $3.00 depending on condition (mostly common in circulated grades)

What drives this coin's value

Overall grade/wear, presence of original mint luster, and specific key dates in the series.

Grade assessment

Fine to Very Fine (light surface wear, minor toning and dirt spots, details on the plow and wheat are mostly clear).

Mintage & rarity

Common; millions minted across the series, though certain early years like 1954 are scarcer. 1956 is relatively common.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Due to its very low face value and high mintage, counterfeiting is extremely rare. Aluminum composition gives it a distinct lightweight feel.

Notable varieties & errors

No major high-value errors or rare varieties are widely recognized for the 1956 10 Lire issue.

Similar coins

Other Italian Lire denominations from the same era (e.g., 1, 2, or 5 Lire featuring different agricultural themes).

Care & preservation

Store in a cool, dry environment in a non-PVC flip or holder. Avoid harsh cleaning or polishing, as aluminum scratches easily and cleaning ruins numismatic value.