Coin Identifier
Italy 1 Lira Vittorio Emanuele II — obverse
Obverse
Italy 1 Lira Vittorio Emanuele II — reverse
Reverse
1 Lira

Italy 1 Lira Vittorio Emanuele II

Kingdom of Italy · 1861

A silver Italian coin featuring King Vittorio Emanuele II on the obverse and the Savoy coat of arms on the reverse.

Country
Kingdom of Italy
Year
1861
Denomination
1 Lira
Metal
90% Silver, 10% Copper (.900 Fine)

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.

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Overview

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.

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.

Estimated value

$10-$30 in Very Good condition, $100-$300 in Mint State

What drives this coin's value

Mint mark (Florence and Naples are rarer than Milan/Turin), preservation of luster, and surface marks.

Grade assessment

Fine/Very Fine. Features significant wear on the hair and high points of the shield, but details remain visible.

Mintage & rarity

Total mintage varies by mint: Milan (approx. 5.9M), Turin (approx. 11M). Common in lower grades, but scarce in uncirculated condition.

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.

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.

Care & preservation

Store in an acid-free holder. Avoid cleaning or polishing as it destroys the numismatic value. Handle only by the edges.