1 Lira | Discover the Value of Italian 1 Lira Coins

Here are the 1 Lira coins minted during the Kingdom of Sardinia:

1 Lira Carlo Felice – 1823/1830

The 1 Lira Carlo Felice coin was minted from 1823 to 1830 by the mints of Turin and Genoa.

• Material: Silver 900
• Edge: 3 FERT + 6 incuse rosettes
• Weight: 5 g
• Diameter: 23 mm
• Mint: Turin / Genoa
• Classification: C / R / R2 / R3 / R5 and R7
• Axis: At French
• Author: Amedeo Lavy

On the Obverse, the inscription CAR ● FELIX D ● G ● REX SAR ● CYP ● ET HIER ● is engraved around the right-facing profile of Carlo Felice, with the mint year below. The initials A. L. of the engraver Amedeo Lavy are inscribed at the neck cut.

On the Reverse, the value is engraved at the bottom center L ● 1 with the symbols of the issuing mint on either side. Surrounding the coin is the inscription DVX SAB ● GENVAE ET MONTISF ● PRINC ● PED ● & enclosing the Shield with a crowned heart and the Collar of the Annunziata along with oak branches.

Value | 1 Lira Carlo Felice

These are the values and mintages of the 1 Lira Carlo Felice coins from the Kingdom of Sardinia:

1 Lira Carlo Alberto – 1831/1847

The 1 Lira Carlo Alberto coin was minted from 1831 to 1847 by the mints of Turin and Genoa.

• Material: Silver 900
• Edge: 3 FERT + 6 incuse rosettes
• Weight: 5 g
• Diameter: 23 mm
• Mint: Turin / Genoa
• Classification: R2
• Axis: At French
• Author: Giuseppe Ferraris

On the Obverse, there is a profile portrait looking to the right of Carlo Alberto. Below the neck line is the mint year and the F. of Ferraris. Around the perimeter of the coin, the inscription CAR ● ALBERTVS D ● G ● REX SARD ● CYP ● ET IIIER ● is engraved.

On the Reverse, there is, centrally, the Coat of Arms with the cross, the crown, and the collar of the Annunziata surrounded by two crossed laurel branches below the engraving of the value L●1. Surrounding it is the inscription DIX SAB ● GENVAE ET MONTISF ● PRINC ● PED ● & ●

Value | 1 Lira Carlo Alberto

Here are the values and mintages of the 1 Lira Carlo Alberto coins from the Kingdom of Sardinia:

1 Lira Vittorio Emanuele II – Kingdom of Sardinia 1850/1860

The 1 Lira Vittorio Emanuele II coin was minted from 1850 to 1860 during the Kingdom of Sardinia at the mints of Turin, Genoa, and Milano.

• Material: Silver 900
• Edge: 3 FERT + 6 incuse rosettes
• Weight: 5 g
• Diameter: 23 mm
• Mint: Turin / Genoa / Milano
• Classification: NC / R / R3 / R4 /R7
• Axis: French Axis
• Author: Giuseppe Ferraris

On the Obverse, the profile of Vittorio Emanuele II is depicted facing right, with an F. below the neck line representing the signature of Ferraris and the mint year below. Around the edge of the coin, the inscription VICTORIVS EMMANVEL II ● D ● G ● REX SARD ● CYP ● ET IIIER ● is engraved.

Value | 1 Lira Vittorio Emanuele II Kingdom of Sardinia

Here are all the values of the 1 Lira Vittorio Emanuele II coin from 1850 to 1860 during the Kingdom of Sardinia. There are coins classified as R7.

1 Lira Vittorio Emanuele II – Bologna 1859

• Material: Silver 900
• Edge: Reeded
• Weight: 5 g
• Diameter: 23 mm
• Mint: Bologna B
• Classification: R
• Axis: French Axis
• Engraver: Giuseppe Ferraris

On the Obverse, the profile of King Vittorio Emanuele II is engraved facing right, with the F. of the engraver Ferraris below the neck line. Surrounding the profile is the inscription VITTORIO EMANUELE II and below the year 1859.
The peculiarity of this coin is that, although it presents 1859 as the reference year, the coin was actually minted in 1860.

On the Reverse, it features the Coat of Arms of the House of Savoy with the collar of the Annunziata intertwined among laurel branches, the inscription DIO PROTEGGE L'ITALIA around it, and below the value indication L●1 and the mint mark B.

Value | 1 Lira Bologna

Value of the 1 Lira Bologna coin of Vittorio Emanuele II, Elected King of 1859.

• A specimen of this rare silver coin from 1859, preserved with particular care (quality FDC), was auctioned on April 20, 2004 for as much as 2,654€

1 Lira Vittorio Emanuele II – Florence 1859/1860

• Material: Silver 900
• Edge: 3 FERT and 6 rosettes in incuse
• Weight: 5 g
• Diameter: 23 mm
• Mint: Florence
• Classification: R2 and C
• Axis: French Axis
• Engraver: Gori

In 1859 and 1860, 1 lira for Florence was minted. Those from 1859 are classified as rare coins R2.

The coin in question features on the Obverse the Coat of Arms of the House of Savoy with the collar of the Annunziata intertwined among laurel branches. At the top, the inscription UNA LIRA ITALIANA and below, besides the mint year, also the mint location FIRENZE.

On the Reverse, we find the face of King Vittorio Emanuele II facing right, embraced by the inscription VITTORIO EMANUELE RE ELETTO, below, more precisely under the neck, the name of the author Gori and the mint symbol Monte.

Variant

In 1960, there is a type 2 variant of the coin that has the legend on the obverse ending beyond the King's beard, while in the type 1 version it ends before the beard. Additionally, on the reverse, it has the symbol of the hand with the scepter.

Value | 1 Lira Florence

Table of values for 1 Lira Florence First type and Second type.

1 Lira Vittorio Emanuele II – Coat of Arms

Between 1861 and 1867, the 1 Lira coin celebrated Vittorio Emanuele II of Savoy, the last King of Sardinia and first King of Italy. We are talking about 1 Lira Vittorio Emanuele II Coat of Arms.

• Material: Silver 900 and 835
• Edge: 3 FERT and 6 rosettes in incuse
• Weight: 5 g
• Diameter: 23 mm
• Mint: Florence / Turin / Naples / Milano
• Classification: C / NC / R / R2 / R3
• Axis: French Axis
• Author: Giuseppe Ferraris

The coin features, on the Obverse, the depiction of the profile of King Vittorio Emanuele II facing right. All around is the engraving of the name VITTORIO EMANUELE II and the year at the bottom.
The signature of the author Ferraris is engraved in much smaller characters below the King's neck.

The Reverse, instead, is characterized by the Savoy Coat of Arms, adorned with laurel branches and complete with the prominent inscription REGNO D'ITALIA, along with the value L ● 1 preceded by the mint mark (F/M/N/T).
On the right, the initials of the National Bank BN are engraved inside a rectangle.

Value | 1 Lira Coat of Arms

Table of values for the 1 Lira Coat of Arms of Vittorio Emanuele II:

1 Lira Vittorio Emanuele II – Value

1 Lira Vittorio Emanuele II Value was minted in 1863

• Material: Silver 835
• Edge: 3 FERT and 6 rosettes in incuse
• Weight: 5 g
• Diameter: 23 mm
• Mint: Turin / Milano
• Classification: NC / R3
• Axis: French Axis
• Author: Giuseppe Ferraris

On the Obverse, the face of King Vittorio Emanuele II is engraved with the profile facing right, below the neck the signature of FERRARIS and at the bottom the year 1863.

On the Reverse, at the top, the text REGNO D'ITALIA is laid out, in the center the value 1 LIRA, at the bottom the depiction of laurel branches tied at the bottom and the mint mark M or T below, next to which appears the initials BN of National Bank enclosed in a rectangle.

Value | 1 Lira Value

Table with the quotations of the 1 Lira Value coin of King Vittorio Emanuele II:

Starting from 1883, a new version of 1 Lira was issued and minted by the mint of Rome and Milano until 1900.

• Material: Silver 835
• Edge: 3 FERT and 6 rosettes in incuse
• Weight: 5 g
• Diameter: 23 mm
• Mint: Rome / Milano
• Classification: C / NC / R2 / R4
• Axis: In the French style
• Author: Filippo Speranza

The coin was dedicated to Umberto I and features on the Obverse the head of King Umberto I facing right, surrounded at the top by the inscription UMBERTO I RE D'ITALIA. At the bottom of the coin, there is the date and the engraving with the name of the author, in this case Speranza, which, as usual, follows the inclination of the neck.

On the Reverse, there is the Savoy Coat of Arms crowned and surrounded by the collar of the Annunziata adorned with laurel and oak branches. The value L 1 is engraved on either side of the coat of arms, and the mint mark (respectively R for Rome and M for Milano) was present at the bottom.

Value | 1 Lira Umberto I

Here is the value table for the 1 Lira of Umberto I coin:

• The specimens from 1883 were 5,6692, thus considered R4, very rare, in BU can be worth €50,000, €8,500 if VF and €4,000 if F
• In 1892, only 33,172 pieces were minted, falling into rarity R2, thus the value is €7,415 in BU, €1,510 if VF or €756 if F

From 1890 to 1896, the 1 Lira coins of the Eritrean Colony were minted, equivalent to 2/10 of a Tallero.

• Material: Silver 835
• Edge: Reeded
• Weight: 5 g
• Diameter: 23 mm
• Mint: Rome
• Classification: C/ NC/ R2/ R4
• Axis: French
• Author: Filippo Speranza

On the Obverse, the profile of King Umberto I crowned and in royal attire, facing right, with the inscription UMBERTO I RE D'ITALIA around it, followed by the year of minting.
Below the portrait is the engraver's signature SPERANZA.

On the Reverse, at the top, the inscription COLONIA ERITREA is engraved, below which is the radiant star. In the center is the coin's value L ● 1 also in Aramaic and Arabic, below are two laurel branches intertwined with a bow, the symbol R of the Rome mint.

Value | 1 Lira Eritrean Colony 1890

Here is the value table for 1 Lira Eritrean Colony, the coin equivalent to 2/10 of Tallero:

Between 1901 and 1917, under Vittorio Emanuele III, three different coins were issued that complied with the decisions of the Latin Monetary Union, namely:

Savoy Eagle 1901/1907

• Material: Silver 835
• Edge: 3 FERT and 6 roses in incuse
• Weight: 5 g
• Diameter: 23 mm
• Mint: Rome
• Classification: C / NC / R2
• Axis: French Style
• Author: Filippo Speranza

The type features on the Obverse the bare head of King Vittorio Emanuele III facing right, surrounded by the inscription VITTORIO EMANUELE III and below the neck the name of the author Speranza.

On the Reverse, there is a Crowned Heraldic Eagle with a Savoy Shield on its chest, the inscription REGNO D'ITALIA all around, the value L 1 at the bottom center, and the mint mark R (Rome).

Curiosity: In 1917 and 1918, these coins were withdrawn from circulation and melted down to mint the 10 Lire Biga and the 5 Lire Aquilotto.

Value | 1 Lira Savoy Eagle

Here is the table regarding the quotations for the 1 Lira Savoy Eagle coin of Vittorio Emanuele III:

Fast Quadriga 1908/1913

Between 1908 and 1913, the type of 1 Lira Fast Quadriga was circulated:

• Material: Silver 835
• Edge: 3 FERT and 6 roses in incuse
• Weight: 5 g
• Diameter: 23 mm
• Mint: Rome
• Classification: C / NC / R4
• Axis: French Style
• Authors: Davide Calandra and Luigi Giorgi.

On the Obverse, the half-bust of King Vittorio Emanuele III in uniform is depicted. The face, turned to the right, is almost entirely surrounded by the inscription VITTORIO EMANUELE III ● RE● D’ITALIA, and at 7 o'clock, the name of the author D ● Calandra M.

On the Reverse, there is the allegorical figure of Italy armed with a shield, helmet, and an oak branch placed on a chariot, adorned with Savoy knots, and pulled by 4 horses. At the bottom, always between two Savoy knots, the value L●1 and the mint mark above the left knot, while above the right knot is the name of the engraver L●Giorgi Inc.

Value | 1 Lira Fast Quadriga

Table of values regarding the 1 Lira Fast Quadriga coin of Vittorio Emanuele III:

• 1 Lira Fast Quadriga 1908 R in FDC, defined by the curators as exceptional, was auctioned on April 13, 2013 for 575€
• However, the rare coin in this case is the PROOF of 1 Lira Fast Quadriga 1908, which is worth 7,000€ in Uncirculated condition.

Brisk Quadriga 1915/1917

What is known as the Brisk Quadriga was issued between 1915 and 1917 by the mint in Rome.

• Material: Silver 835
• Edge: 3 FERT and 6 roses in incuse
• Weight: 5 g
• Diameter: 23 mm
• Mint: Rome
• Classification: C / NC / R4
• Axis: French Style
• Authors: Davide Calandra and Attilio Silvio Motti

On the Obverse, the head of King Vittorio Emanuele III is facing right with a hint of uniform, around the figure the name VITTORIO EMANUELE III ● RE D'ITALIA, and below the name of the author D. Calandra M.

On the Reverse, there is the brisk quadriga facing left, with Italy at the reins, pulled by galloping horses. At the bottom, there are the names of the authors D. Calandra and A. Motti Inc, and also the mint mark of Rome R.

Value | 1 Lira Brisk Quadriga

Here is the table with all the values of the 1 Lira Brisk Quadriga coin of Vittorio Emanuele III:

• The rarest are the PROOFS from 1915 R4 and R, which can reach 2,000€ or 3,000€ if in FDC

After World War I, a 1 lira note was minted in nickel, issued to cover the substantial war expenses.

• Material: Silver 975
• Edge: Reeded
• Weight: 8 g
• Diameter: 26.50 mm
• Mint: Rome
• Classification: CC / C / R / R2 / R3
• Orientation: French
• Authors: Giuseppe Romagnoli and Attilio Silvio Motti

On the Obverse, there is an allegorical figure symbolizing Italy Seated on a pedestal facing left. She holds a winged Victory in her left hand and an olive branch in her right. In the background, the broad inscription ITALY is to the right of the pedestal, with the authors' names G. ROMAGNOLI // A●MOTTI●INC● inscribed in two lines, and at the bottom, the year of issuance of the 1 Lira note.

Along the edge of the Reverse, there is a laurel wreath, and in the center, the value BVONO DA L●1 is engraved, flanked by the Savoy Coat of Arms on the left. At the bottom, the mint mark R.

Value | 1 Lira Note

Value table for the 1 Lira Note from 1921 to 1935:

• On April 13, 2013, a R3 coin from 1934 in BU condition was sold at auction for €1,840

1 Lira Vittorio Emanuele III Empire, minted from 1936 to 1943.

• Material: Silver 975
• Edge: Reeded
• Weight: 8 g
• Diameter: 26.50 mm
• Mint: Rome
• Classification: C / NC / R / R3 / R4 / R5
• Axis: At French
• Engraver: Giuseppe Romagnoli

On the Obverse, the profile of King Vittorio Emanuele III facing left with the inscription around VITTORIO • EMANVELE • III • RE • E • IMP, below the neck is the signature of the author G. Romagnoli.

On the Reverse, in the center, there is an eagle with open wings resting its claws on a pedestal, its beak facing right. Behind it, a fascist bundle vertically with the axe. At the top in a semicircle is the inscription I T A L I A, at the bottom left the year of issue and the mint mark of Rome R, to the right the reference to the fascist era with the year in Roman numerals.
At the bottom center, the face value of 1 lira, L. 1 separated from the Savoy Shield.

Value | 1 Lira Empire Vittorio Emanuele III

Here is the table with the values for the 1 Lira Empire coins of Vittorio Emanuele III, the rarest are the PROOFS and the versions for Numismatists.

The 1 Lira Napoleon coin was minted by the mints of Bologna and Milano between 1808 and 1814.

• Material: Silver 900
• Edge: Relief Stars
• Weight: 5 g
• Diameter: 23.50 mm
• Mint: Bologna/Milano
• Classification: NC/ R/ R4
• Axis: French

On the Obverse, the inscription NAPOLEONE IMPERATORE E RE is engraved, featuring the profile of Napoleon facing right. Below is the mint year and the mint mark M or B (Milano or Bologna).

On the Reverse, the Crowned Coat of Arms is engraved at the center on a drape supported by two crossed halberds. Below is the value of the coin 1. LIRA and on the sides of the coin are the inscriptions REGNO D'ITALIA.

Curiosities | 1 Lira Napoleon

There are several curiosities about this coin, various errors that make it sought after and rare:

• In 1810, the engraver Manfredini mistakenly engraved the inscription NATOLEONE instead of NAPOLEONE, an error he quickly noticed and made efforts to destroy the few incorrectly minted specimens. He revealed the incident only in 1821, after Napoleon's death, so the error cannot be attributed to the niche of Satirical Coins of Napoleon.
• In 1812, 1813, and 1814, specimens of the 1 Lira Napoleon coin of the 2nd type were minted with shaped halberd tips.

Value | 1 Lira Napoleon

Value table for the 1 Lira Napoleon First Type coin:

Value table for the 1 Lira Napoleon Second Type coin with and without the shaped halberd tips:

The 1 Lira Orange coin was minted in Italma from 1946 to 1950.

• Material: Italma
• Edge: Smooth
• Weight: 1.25 g
• Diameter: 21.6 mm
• Mint: Rome
• Classification: C / NC / R2 / R3
• Orientation: French
• Authors: Giuseppe Romagnoli and Pietro Gianpaoli

The coin features on the Obverse a woman's head facing left, adorned with wheat ears. Surrounding the figure is the inscription REPVBBLICA ITALIANA and below are the authors' details “Romagnoli P G Inc”.

On the Reverse, there is a depiction of an orange branch with fruit and between the year and the mint mark, the value indication is included.

Value | 1 Lira Orange

Below are the values of the 1 Lira Orange coin:

In 1951, the new 1 lira coin known as 1 Lira cornucopia was issued, minted until 2001. The image of the horn, a symbol of prosperity and abundance, was used.

However, due to inflation, the lira lost much of its purchasing power, leading to the saying “The lira is worth a horn”.
Indeed, in 1959, for these reasons, the issuance of the coin was ceased, only to resume nearly 10 years later in 1968.

• Material: Italma
• Edge: Smooth
• Weight: 0.625 g
• Diameter: 17.2 mm
• Mint: Rome
• Classification: C / NC / R3
• Axis: At French
• Authors: Giuseppe Romagnoli and Pietro Gianpaoli

On the Obverse, a scale is depicted with the inscription around it REPVBBLICA – ITALIANA –. At the bottom, three-quarters in, the author's name ROMAGNOLI is engraved. On the Reverse, a cornucopia is engraved, to the right of which the value of 1 is readable, along with the year of issue and the mint on two lines.

Value | 1 Lira Cornucopia

Did you not 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 lire silver coins, 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”.