Thousand Lire Rome Capital
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The famous coins “Thousand Lire Rome Capital” were minted in silver in 1970 by the Rome Mint to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Rome Capital. It was in fact the first 1,000 lire coin used in Italy. You can see the other silver 1000 lire coins on the following page: 1000 Lire d'Argento.
In reality, this is a fairly common coin found in many collections and markets throughout Italy, and we will see its value shortly.
On the Obverse side of the coin, the Veiled Head of Concordia is depicted along with the inscription “1870 – 1970 CONCORDIA”.
The design by Guerrino Mattia Monassi was inspired by the Denarius of the Roman Republic from 62 BC (Minted by the Gens Aemilia).
On the Reverse side of the 1000 Lire Rome Capital 1970, the design by Laura Cretara reproduces the paving project of the “Piazza del Campidoglio di Roma (Work of Michelangelo Buonarroti) with the inscription “ROMA CAPITALE – 1000 – LIRE”.
The peculiarity of this side of the coin is that it was the first coinage made by a woman!
From the very beginning, this coin was seized and almost entirely hoarded.
In fact, very few specimens remained in circulation. Just like what happened with the 500 Lire d'Argento.
To try to distribute the few remaining coins, it was assured to state and ministerial employees that they would receive 1 coin of 1000 Lire with their salary payment.
The promise was only partially fulfilled. In fact, the 1000 Lire Rome Capital 1970 were granted only to state employees in some cities in Italy, triggering strikes and protests. For example, the postal workers of Ivrea went on strike for 3 hours on January 9, 1971.
Meanwhile, in Naples, some state employees were given 5 coins of 1000 Lire, while in other cities in Italy, equally many state employees were left empty-handed and never had the honor of touching the “promised coin”.
A Thousand Lire Rome Capital coin is worth about 10/20€ because it is, in fact, a common coin.
In June 2013, a specimen in BU was sold at an online auction for 20.50€
One Thousand Lire Rome Capital Proof
The Rome Mint produced a Divisional Series of the 1000 lire silver Rome Capital in 1970. Additionally, 2,500 pieces were distributed in a special packaging accompanied by a specimen of Proof.
What is the value of the One Thousand Lire Rome Capital Proof?
While the One Thousand Lire Rome Capital coin is worth a maximum of 20€, how much can the PROOF version in silver be worth?
- A specimen of Proof can be worth between 500€ and 700€. In some cases, if kept in very good condition, its value approaches 1,000€
Other Thousand Lire Coins
Thousand Lire with Mint Error 1997
The “Thousand Lire with the error” or “1000 lire mistake” is a bimetallic coin that was produced for the first and only time in 1997 without immediately realizing that the map displayed incorrect territorial boundaries.
The reverse indeed shows the map of Europe, but the borders between the Netherlands and Denmark are wrong. Additionally, the former East Germany is completely missing. We have discussed these Italian coins extensively in the article dedicated to them: 1000 Lire Repubblica Italiana.
What is the value of the Thousand Lire with the error?
If you own a Thousand Lire coin with the error, I have some bad news for you…
- Despite the error, the mistaken Thousand Lire coin is worth just over €3
Why?
Because over 10,000,000 were minted before realizing the mint error.
Correct Thousand Lire 1997
After the mint error, between 1997 and 2001, the Correct 1000 Lire were minted. That is, the coin without errors on the map of Europe. They remained in circulation until the advent of the euro.
What is the value of the Correct Thousand Lire?
- The 1000 Lire minted between 1997/1998 are worth €3
- The Thousand Lire brilliant uncirculated and proof minted after 1998 can be worth up to €25 each.
Didn't find what you were looking for? Check out these topics on the lire:
- 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 and also 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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