Italy 1 Lira Vittorio Emanuele II
Country of Origin: Kingdom of Italy
Year of Issue: 1861
Denomination: 1 Lira
Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper (.900 Fine)
Brief Description
A silver Italian coin featuring King Vittorio Emanuele II on the obverse and the Savoy coat of arms on the reverse.
Historical Significance
1861 was the year of Italian Unification (Risorgimento). This coin is part of the first series issued by the newly formed Kingdom of Italy under Vittorio Emanuele II, the first King of a united Italy.
Estimated Value
$10-$30 in Very Good condition, $100-$300 in Mint State
Care Instructions
Store in an acid-free holder. Avoid cleaning or polishing as it destroys the numismatic value. Handle only by the edges.
Mint Mark
M for Milan, T for Turin, F for Florence, or N for Naples; typically visible below the wreath on the reverse.
Mintage & Rarity
Total mintage varies by mint: Milan (approx. 5.9M), Turin (approx. 11M). Common in lower grades, but scarce in uncirculated condition.
Weight & Diameter
5.0g and 23mm
Edge
Plain or with incuse lettering 'FERT FERT FERT'
Apparent Grade
Fine/Very Fine. Features significant wear on the hair and high points of the shield, but details remain visible.
Obverse (Front)
Head of King Vittorio Emanuele II facing right. Legend: VITTORIO EMANUELE II. Date 1861 at the bottom. Designer: Ferraris.
Reverse (Back)
Savoia coat of arms crowned and draped, surrounded by a laurel wreath. Legend: REGNO D'ITALIA. Denomination L.1 below.
What Drives This Coin's Value
Mint mark (Florence and Naples are rarer than Milan/Turin), preservation of luster, and surface marks.
Similar Coins
Often confused with the 2 Lire (larger) or 50 Centesimi (smaller) of the same design, and later .835 silver issues which are less valuable.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Check for the weight of exactly 5.0 grams. Typical fakes are magnetic or made of base metal. Verify the incuse lettering on the edge if present.
Notable Varieties & Errors
Some variations in the size of the date or the King's head exist across Different mints.
Created At: 2026-05-18T13:27:35.096884