Italy 500 Lire (Bimetallic)
Country of Origin: Italy (Italian Republic)
Year of Issue: 1982-2001 (Specific year unclear due to image focus)
Denomination: 500 Lire
Composition: Bimetallic: Acmonital (Stainless Steel) outer ring, Bronzital (Aluminum-Bronze) center plug
Brief Description
A bimetallic coin featuring a gold-colored center surrounded by a silver-colored ring, typical of Italian currency before the Euro.
Historical Significance
Introduced in 1982, this was the world's first modern bimetallic circulation coin. It was designed to prevent counterfeiting and remained in circulation until the adoption of the Euro in 2002.
Estimated Value
$0.50 - $1.00 in circulated condition; $2.00 - $5.00 for uncirculated specimens.
Care Instructions
Store in a cool, dry place. Bimetallic coins can sometimes experience 'bleeding' or corrosion at the seam between metals if exposed to high humidity. Do not clean with chemicals.
Mint Mark
R (Rome Mint) - usually located on the reverse above the denomination.
Mintage & Rarity
Very common (hundreds of millions produced); not rare unless it is a specific high-grade early year or an error.
Weight & Diameter
6.8g, 25.8mm
Edge
Discontinuous reeding (alternating smooth and reeded sections)
Apparent Grade
Circulated / Fine to Very Fine. The images are blurry, but there is clear evidence of wear on the high points and surface scratches.
Obverse (Front)
A female head facing left, representing Italy, surrounded by 'REPUBBLICA ITALIANA'. Designer: Laura Cretara.
Reverse (Back)
The Quirinal Palace in Rome with the value L. 500 at the bottom. The outer ring features ears of wheat and the date (if visible).
What Drives This Coin's Value
Condition and year of issue are the primary factors. Early years (1982) are highly common; the 1991 and 1997-2001 dates had lower circulation mintages.
Similar Coins
Often confused with the 2 Euro coin or early 10 Baht (Thailand) due to the similar bimetallic design.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Check for the Braille value on the reverse (the dots at the top of the ring). Also, check the seam between the two metals for precision.
Notable Varieties & Errors
The 1982 variety exists with the 'Small Signature' or 'Large Signature' of the designer; 1991 coins sometimes feature a 'tilted head' rotation error.
Created At: 2026-06-28T06:08:48.711963