2 Lire: Value and Rarity of Italian 2 Lire Coins

Initially minted in silver both at the 900/1000 and 835/1000 fineness, with a diameter of 27 mm and a weight of about 10 grams. Over the years, the 2 Lire underwent several changes regarding both the material and the weight.

In addition to silver, it was also minted in other materials including nickel and italma, which is an alloy based on aluminum and magnesium. It is important to note that this coin, which changes its “outfits” over time, has unique features that make it particularly interesting and give it a respectable market value.

Let’s analyze below the different types of two Lire coins, considering all the various aspects including the minting period, value, condition, and other relevant characteristics.

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In fact, the 2 Lire of Napoleon was minted long before 1861, specifically in 1807 at the behest of the emperor himself. It has a diameter of 28 mm, weighs 10 grams, and is in Silver 900.

This coin features on the obverse the inscription Napoleon Emperor and King with the symbol of Napoleon's bare head facing right.

At the bottom of the rim, it bears the date and between the mintmark and the oil lamp, the identifying letter of the mint. The oil lamp is the symbol adopted by Luigi Manfredi, engraver and director of the mint in Milan.

The reverse features the inscription Kingdom of Italy, a coat of arms on a crowned shield, with crossed halberds and an eagle facing left with outstretched wings.
At the bottom, around the rim, it bears the inscription 2 Lire.

Special Features of the Two Lire

• The coat of arms depicted on the back of the coin is also found on the collar of the Legion of Honor, a chivalric order established by Napoleon in 1802.
• The edge of the coin, that is, the thickness between the two faces, bears the inscription “God Protects Italy.”
• The halberds, present on the back of the coin, can have sharp or shaped tips.
• The axis is French, meaning the two faces are offset by 180°.

Now let’s analyze the mark and the symbol of the mint.

• For Bologna: B and an oak branch
• For Milano: M and a pomegranate
• For Venezia: V and an anchor.

The production year of the 2 Lire of Napoleon ranges from 1807 to 1814.

In 1807, 10,145 pieces of two lire were minted, from the Milan mint.

Particularities 2 lire 1807:

• The motto on the edge is embossed on 5 longitudinal fillets
• There are two variants that differ in the spacing of the digits in the date 1807

These specimens are classified as R.

In 1808, 2,807 pieces were minted, from the Bologna mint, classified as R4.
From 1809 to 1811, approximately 1,210,000 were minted at the Milan mint, classified as C.
In 1811, it was the turn of the Venice mint with about 10,435 rare 2 Lire coins, classifiable as R.

In 1812, about 347,917 were minted at the Bologna mint, classifiable as R.

Particularity of this coinage:

• The inscription on the edge is incused.

The production of the 2 Lire of Napoleon continues for another two years.

In 1813, at the Venice mint, some of the coins feature a variant, namely the mint mark V struck over M. These specimens are classifiable as C.

The coins minted in 1813, from the Milan mint, have another particularity: the halberds have sharp tips and the edge is smooth with incused stars.
Their value can vary greatly based on the state of preservation and the rarity of the coin, which are parameters to always keep in mind.

For coins SPL (splendid) or FDC (brilliant uncirculated), the price is around 600 €, but there are also coins qSPL, R2 with a value of about 300 €.
This is a type C coin, with a Rating N that has circulated quite a bit: the preservation affects the price, as they are almost always coins with worn hair or with marks on the edge.

Watch out for counterfeits, as many can be found on the market.

The 2 Lire Vittorio Emanuele II coin, minted between 1861 and 1863, features the head of King Vittorio Emanuele II facing right, surrounded by the inscription of the King's name and the corresponding minting date.

The coin weighs about 10 grams, has a diameter of almost 4 centimeters, and is made of 900/1000 silver.
The reverse of the coin has 2 variants:

• Value on two lines. At the top, the inscription Regno d'italia, at the bottom, laurel branches and the mint mark. Minted in 1863 in Turin and Naples. Next to the mint mark, the initials “BN” incused inside a rectangle.
• Savoy coat of arms with a crown and the collar of the Annunziata among laurel branches. At the bottom, the value indication L2 with the mint mark on the left, surrounded by the inscription Regno d'italia. Minted in Turin and Naples between 1861 and 1863.

The edges of the coin are knotted and rosettes, both on the front and the back.

Value of 2 Lire Vittorio Emanuele II

Let's analyze the value of the 2 lire of Vittorio Emanuele II.

• Two lire, mint Turin (1863), condition MB/BB, classification R, price €30
• The two lire, mint Turin (1863), condition MB/BB, classification C, price €20
• Two lire, mint Turin (1863), condition qBB, classification C, price €35.
• The 3 lire 1863, mint Naples, condition MB/BB/MB+, classification C/NC, price €22
• 2 lire 1863, mint Naples, condition qBB, classification C, price €20

This coin can also reach a market value of about €1,980 in the case of certification PCGS, MS-PR-62 (no wear), condition SPL.
There are also some specimens of rare 2 Lire 1855 Kingdom of Sardinia, King Vittorio Emanuele II, mint Turin R2, BB valued at €1,100.

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The coin of 2 Lire of King Umberto I was minted in Rome from 1881 to 1889. The 2 Lire of Umberto I have a weight of 10 grams, a diameter of 27 mm, and are made of 835/1000 silver.

The obverse features the crowned profile of the King facing right. Surrounding it is the inscription Umberto I Re D'Italia and below the date. Under the King's neck is the inscription Speranza, which is the surname of the artist Filippo Speranza.

On the reverse, the crowned Savoy coat of arms is engraved, along with the collar of the Annunziata and around it are branches of laurel and oak. The value L2 is indicated on both sides of the coat of arms.
At the bottom is the mint mark.

2 Lire Umberto I Eritrea

Between 1890 and 1896, coins of 2 lire were minted for Eritrea, which had just been annexed. The coin is worth 2/5 of a Tallero, the Slovenian coin.

The obverse presents the half-bust of the King with a crown and uniform facing right. Surrounding it is the inscription Umberto Re d'Italia, below is the signature of the artist Speranza.

On the reverse, the value is displayed in Italian, Arabic, and Aramaic on three lines below the Italian star. Surrounding it is the inscription Colonia Eritrea, at the bottom, branches of laurel and the mint mark R (Rome). The axes are in the French style.

For coins in qFDC/FDC condition with proof-like fields, the value ranges from 300 to 400€.

The 2 Lire coins of Vittorio Emanuele III were issued between 1901 and 1917 and comply with the Deliberation of the Latin Monetary Union.
This deliberation provided for the free circulation of multiple European currencies within member states. It was the phase in which the value of money was determined by the amount of precious material contained within it.

Let’s analyze the types of 2 Lire coins of Emanuele II that were then in circulation.

2 Lire Aquila Sabauda

The 2 lire Aquila Sabauda was minted between 1909 and 1907. It is made of 835/1000 silver, weighs 10 grams, and has a diameter of 27 mm.

On the obverse, it features the bare head of the king surrounded by the inscription Vittorio Emanuele III and below the name of the author Speranza. On the reverse, we can observe the crowned heraldic eagle with a Savoy shield on its chest. Surrounding it is the inscription Regno d'Italia. Below is the value indication L2, the date, and the mint mark Roma(R) between two five-pointed stars.

Particularity of this coin: The edge features the incuse inscription FERT repeated three times, alternating with Savoy knots and rosettes.

The value of this coin varies from 370€ (indicative auction price from October 2016) to 2,900€ in the case of a SPL/FDC coin.

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2 Lire Quadriga Veloce

The 2 Lire Quadriga Veloce was minted in Rome between 1908 and 1912.

It is made of 835/1000 silver, weighs 10 grams, and has a diameter of 27 mm.

On the obverse, it presents the half-bust in uniform of King Vittorio Emanuele III facing right. Surrounding it is the inscription VITTORIO – EMANUELE – III – RE – D'ITALIA and behind the collar of the uniform is the name of the author D. Calandra M.

On the reverse, the emblem of a quadriga facing left, an allegorical figure of Italy with a shield, helmet, and branch placed on a chariot pulled by four galloping horses.

The chariot is adorned with classic Savoy knots and a five-pointed star. At seven o'clock on the exergue line is the signature of the author D. Calandra M. The engraver is instead D. Giorgi.

Along the entire edge, the inscription FERT is present, alternating with Savoy knots and rosettes.

Value 2 Lire Quadriga Veloce

The rarest are those of 1911 R2 which in FDC can be worth up to 3,000€

Those of 1910 R in FDC are worth 1,700€

Common ones from 1908 and 1912 C in FDC are worth between 350/400€

2 Lire Cinquantenario Unità d'Italia

The 2 Lire of the Cinquantenario dell'Unità d'Italia was minted in 100,000 copies in 1911 as a commemorative coin for the proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy.
It is a rather common coin (C).

On the obverse, it features the head of the King facing left, surrounded by the inscription Vittorio Emanuele III Re D'Italia and below the king's neck the names of the author Trentecoste D. and the engraver D. Giorgi Inc.

On the reverse, it presents two allegorical figures; a female figure symbolizing Italy and a male figure, placed on a pedestal with a plow beside it, representing the city of Rome.

In the background, the bow of a merchant ship, on the right the dates 1861-1911, on the left the value indication L2 and below the mint mark R.

The edge features the incuse inscription FERT repeated three times, alternating with Savoy knots and rosettes.

The axes of this coin are German.

Value 2 Lire Vittorio Emanuele III Cinquantenario

Its value is around 210€, in a condition of qFDC/FDC.

There are specimens of a 2 Lire coin dated 1911 of the “Cinquantenario” with the inscription PROVA Regno d'Italia, R2, FDC valued at 1,950€.

2 Lire 1914 Quadriga Briosa

The 2 lire Quadriga Briosa was minted between 1914 and 1917.

The coin is made of 835/1000 silver with a diameter of 27 mm and weighs 10 grams.

The 2 lire 1914 was minted at the Rome Mint in 1914, based on a model by Davide Calandra and engraved by Attilio Silvio Motti. The name Quadriga Briosa derives from the subject depicted on the reverse of the coin, representing the allegory of Italy commanding a chariot pulled by four galloping horses.

On the obverse, there is the effigy of King Vittorio Emanuele III. The edge bears the Savoy motto “Fert” included among knots and rosettes.

Value 2 Lire Quadriga Briosa

The rarest 2 Lire Quadriga Briosa are those from 1917, which are uncommon specimens valued at 160 euros in FDC.

Good for 2 Lire

Minted from 1923 to 1935, they are cash vouchers worth 2 lire.

The rarest 2 lire voucher is from the years 1926 to 1935. In particular, those from 1927 R2 which in FDC can be worth up to 4,000€, or the R3 from 1928 which, still in FDC, are worth 1,800€

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2 Lire Impero

The 2 Lire Impero were minted from 1936 to 1943. This very beautiful and particular coin has a value that varies based on the state of preservation, rarity, and also in relation to specific characteristics.

2 lire 1940 Value

This very beautiful and particular coin has a value that varies based on the state of preservation, rarity, and also in relation to specific characteristics.

• 2 Lire 1940 Vittorio Emanuele III, common coin C, FDC. For this coin, the value of 2 lire 1940 is 50€.
• Two Lire 1940 Vittorio Emanuele III, magnetic, FDC. For this coin, the value of 2 lire 1940 is 60€
• 2 lire 1940 empire with an axis rotated 90°, price 100€
• The Two lire 1940 with a smooth edge, SPL, 430€
• 2 lire 1940 R2, original and in perfect condition of preservation SPL+, price 830€

2 Lire Bologna

Very interesting and very rare (R3) is the Two lire Bologna, minted between 1859 and 1860. The minted specimens are 12,533.

This is a highly sought-after coin that features on the obverse the head of King Vittorio Emanuele II, facing right and surrounded by the inscription of the King's name and the relevant minting date.

Below the king's neck is the indication of the author Ferraris.
On the reverse, the Savoy coat of arms with a crown and the collar of the Annunziata among laurel branches.
At the bottom, the value indication L.2, at four o'clock along the edge the mint mark and surrounding the inscription Dio Protegge L'Italia.

Value 2 Lire Bologna

• On October 11, 2009, an R3 specimen in FDC from 1859 was sold at auction for 14,375€
• On October 27, 2012, an R2 from 1860 in FDC was auctioned for the modest sum of 17,250€

Except for these and other specimens sold at auction, generally, coins can be found valued at 600€

2 Lire Firenze

Among the coins sought by collectors, we cannot overlook the Two Lire Firenze, minted between 1860 and 1861 and classified respectively as R and R3.

The 2 lire Firenze has on the reverse the Savoy coat of arms with a crown and the collar of the Annunziata among laurel branches.
Along the upper edge, the inscription Due Lire Italiane and at the bottom the indication of the mint (Firenze).
On the obverse, the face of the King facing right with the inscription Vittorio Emanuele Re Eletto surrounding it and below the king's neck the indication of the author, a ringed snake, and the indication of the year.

Value 2 Lire Firenze

For the minting of 1860:

• 2 Lire Firenze R, MB, price 80€
• The 2 lire Firenze, R, BB, price 200€
• 2 lire Firenze, R, SPL, price 700€
• 2 lire Firenze R, fdc, price 1800€

For the minting of 1861:

• 2 Lire Firenze R3, MB, price 2800€
• 2 lire Firenze, R, BB, price 4600€

The 2 Lire 1861 for Firenze is of high rarity and in FDC condition is the rarest coin of the entire series of Re Eletto.

In fact, on May 26, 2011, an R3 specimen from 1861 in qFDC was sold at auction for 14,400€

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The Two Lire coin continued to be minted even after the proclamation of the Italian Republic. No longer in silver but in italma, an aluminum-based alloy.

From 1946 to 1950, the 2 lire coin features on one side a wheat ear at the center, with the denomination inscription (L. 2) on the sides. At the bottom, the year of minting.

On the other side, a plowman, along the edge REPVBBLICA ITALIANA. At the bottom, the author G. ROMAGNOLI and the engraver.

Hence the name 2 Lire Spiga.
The diameter of the coin is 24 mm and the weight is 1.75 grams.

2 lire Spiga Value

• At the auction on 5-08-2017, the 2 lire Spiga from the year 1946 with classification R, condition SPL+ reached a value of €110.
• On March 22, 2013, a specimen R2 from 1947 in BU was sold for €1,680.

Since 1953, a new coin has been minted, still in Italma, with smaller dimensions that featured on one side on the obverse an olive branch in “full field” accompanied on the left by the indication of the value ‘2'.

On the other reverse side, a bee symbol, representing industriousness and productivity, surrounded by the inscription REPVBBLICA ITALIANA. Below, the name of the author Romagnoli.

The coin Two Lire Olive was minted until 1959.
Minting resumed exclusively for the collectors' market in 1968 and ended in 2001 with the advent of the euro.

2 Lira Olive Value

Below is a detailed table of the Italian two lira olive coins minted at the Rome mint, where you can discover the value of the 2 Lira Olive and other interesting details.

Value 2 lira 1954

The two lira coin in question was introduced in 1953 almost to commemorate the efforts of Italians in the early post-war years. The mintage of the 1954 coins was 22,550,000 copies, making it a common coin.

Specifically, the value of the 2 Lire 1954 is 1€ if in BB quality, 2.50€ if in Uncirculated quality, and 6€ if in proof quality.

Remember that beyond the details provided here, it is always a good practice to have your coins evaluated by a numismatist. As an expert, they will be able to give you very detailed and accurate information.

Didn’t find what you were looking for? Check out these topics on the lira:

• Here you can learn everything about the 1 lira, 2 lire, 5 lire, rare 10 lire, 20 lire, and 50 lire.
• The 10 centesimi of lira are here, the 20 centesimi here, and here are the rare 50 centesimi of lira.
• If you are looking for the 1 centesimo of lira, look here and here for the rare 2 centesimi of lira and the 5 centesimi of lira.
• If you want info on the 100 lire and their value, you can find it here, as well as that of the 1000 Lire of the Italian Republic.
• We have discussed the 200 lire and their value here.
• We talked about the Telephone Tokens that were worth 200 lire on this page.
• We also discussed the 500 silver lire, the 500 bimetallic lire, and the 500 paper lire
  
• For German-speaking collectors, we have created a dedicated version of the catalog of rare coins found here “MoneteRare Deutschland”.

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