Italy 500 Lire (Bimetallic)

Italy (Italian Republic) · 1982-2001 (Specific year unclear due to image focus)

A bimetallic coin featuring a gold-colored center surrounded by a silver-colored ring, typical of Italian currency before the Euro.

Country: Italy (Italian Republic)
Year: 1982-2001 (Specific year unclear due to image focus)
Denomination: 500 Lire

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 June 28, 2026More italy (italian republic) coins →

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Overview

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.

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).

Estimated value

$0.50 - $1.00 in circulated condition; $2.00 - $5.00 for uncirculated specimens.

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.

Grade assessment

Circulated / Fine to Very Fine. The images are blurry, but there is clear evidence of wear on the high points and surface scratches.

Mintage & rarity

Very common (hundreds of millions produced); not rare unless it is a specific high-grade early year or an error.

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.

Similar coins

Often confused with the 2 Euro coin or early 10 Baht (Thailand) due to the similar bimetallic design.

Care & preservation

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.