5 Cents of Lira

The first coin of 5 centesimi of Lira was issued in the Kingdom of Sardinia under King Carlo Felice in 1826, and the minting of 5 centesimi coins continued until 1943.

Description

The 5 centesimi coin of lira issued during the reign of Carlo Felice has a diameter of 28 millimeters and a weight of 10 grams. This coin is made entirely of copper.

On the obverse, the inscription 5 CENTESIMI and the date 1826 are surrounded by a laurel wreath. Around the edge, the inscription CAR • FELIX D • G • REX SAR • CYP • ET HIER • can be read, and at the bottom, there is a rosette.

On the reverse of this coin, the Savoy eagle with the crossed coat of arms on its chest is prominently displayed, included in a shield topped by the royal crown. This is surrounded by two oak branches tied with a ribbon.

At the bottom, the indication of the author M•V• (Maurizio Veglia) and the mintmark can be found:

• For the mint of Genoa, the mark is a P inserted in an oval accompanied by an anchor.
• For the mint of Turin, the mintmark is a head of an eagle with an L in a diamond or with a P in an oval.

History

Despite the date shown, these coins were minted from 1827 until 1830, with a total of 42,691,222 specimens minted.

Additionally, as with the 3 and 1 centesimo coins minted during that period, there are specimens that exhibit a slight diagonal scratch on the edge that should otherwise be smooth.

Value of the 5 Centesimi of Lira “Carlo Felice”

• The 5 centesimi Carlo Felice coins minted in Genoa and those from Turin with the L in the diamond are classified as common and in FDC can be worth up to € 500.
• The variant minted in Turin that features the P in the oval is classified as R2 and in Uncirculated condition can have a value of € 650.

Description

The 5 Centesimi Carlo Alberto coin from the Kingdom of Sardinia was minted in 1842 for the coinage of Sardinia. The obverse features the crowned coat of arms of Sardinia with the 4 Moors and the inscription REGNO DI SARDEGNA around it.

At the bottom, you can find the letter F• of the engraver Giuseppe Ferrari and the eagle's head of the mint in Turin.

The reverse is completely occupied by the inscription 5 CENTESIMI 1842 arranged in three lines.

This 5 centesimi of lira is made entirely of copper, has a diameter of only 24 millimeters, and weighs 5 grams.

History

This 5 centesimi of lira circulated only in Sardinia and despite the date on the reverse, was minted in 1843 with a total of 1,845,096 pieces.

Value of the 5 Centesimi of Lira “Carlo Alberto”

• This 5 Centesimi Carlo Alberto coin is classified as a rare coin R and in BU condition can have a value of € 850.

Description

Here is the coin of 5 centesimi Vittorio Emanuele II.

On the obverse of this 5 centesimi Lira coin, on the outside, it reads VITTORIO EMANUELE RE ELETTO and in the center, within a beaded circle, stands the crossed coat of arms of Savoy, crowned and adorned with the Collar of the Annunciation.

At the bottom, separated by a four-petal rosette, are the mint marks, namely a lion's head and a lily.

On the reverse, in the central part, it reads the value 5 CENTESIMI and the year of minting 1859, while in the outer circle it reads GOVERNO DELLA TOSCANA.
The edge is smooth.
The engraver this time is Luigi Gori and the dimensions of the coin are 25 millimeters in diameter and 5 grams in weight.

History

Struck by the Birmingham mint with a mintage of 13,705,500 pieces, despite the date shown on the reverse, these 5 centesimi of lira were minted in 1860.

Value of the 5 Centesimi of Lira “Vittorio Emanuele II”

• These 5 centesimi Vittorio Emanuele II from the Provisional Government of Tuscany are classified as common and the value they can reach, if in FDC quality, is € 300.

Description

On the obverse, at the center, the inscription “5 CENTESIMI” and the date “1826” are enclosed by a laurel wreath. Around the edge, the inscription reads “CAR • FELIX D • G • REX SAR • CYP • ET HIER •” and at the bottom, there is a rosette.

On the reverse of this coin, the Savoy Eagle prominently displays the crossed coat of arms on its chest, included in a shield topped by the royal crown. The whole is surrounded by two oak branches tied with a ribbon.
At the bottom, the indication of the author M•V• (Maurizio Veglia) is present while the mintmark is absent.

History

To mint these 5 Centesimi Vittorio Emanuele II for Emilia Romagna, the old die of the 5 centesimi coins of Carlo Felice was reused, which is why the legend and the date reported do not match.
Although they bear the date 1826, they were minted in Bologna in 1859 and 1860. The coins differ from those of Carlo Felice by the absence of the mintmark.

Value of the 5 Centesimi of Lira “Vittorio Emanuele II 1826”

These particular 5 Centesimi Vittorio Emanuele II 1826 from the Provisional Government of Bologna have a mintage of 818,682 pieces and are classified as rare coin R, and in BU condition can have a value of as much as € 1000 (as seen in an auction in 2014).

Description

This is the coin of 5 Centesimi Vittorio Emanuele II King of Italy.

On the obverse, the profile of King Vittorio Emanuele II is prominently displayed facing left, with the engraver's signature FERRARIS just below the neckline.
In circulation, the inscription reads VITTORIO EMANUELE II RE D’ITALIA.

On the reverse, the value 5 CENTESIMI and the year of minting are inscribed within a crown formed by an oak branch and one of laurel held together by a bow.
At the top, there is a radiant star while below the bow is the mint mark.
The mints that produced these 5 centesimi of lira were those of Bologna, Milano, and Napoli.

These coins are made of a copper and tin alloy, weigh 5 grams, have a diameter of 25 millimeters, and feature a smooth edge.

History

The 5 centesimi coins minted by the Kingdom of Italy were commonly referred to as “palanca” or “soldo” and a total of 493,808,882 specimens were issued.
There are known specimens of 5 centesimi minted in Bologna that lack the engraver's signature on the obverse and other specimens from the Naples mint that have a significantly larger head on the obverse.

The 5 centesimi of lira from Milan dated 1861 were actually minted in 1862, as well as those dated 1867 from Milan and Naples which were minted in 1868.

Value of the 5 Centesimi of Lira “Vittorio Emanuele II King of Italy”

• The 5 centesimi Vittorio Emanuele II King of Italy from 1861 of Bologna are classified as rare coins R2 and in BU condition can have a value of € 3000 (as seen in an auction in 2015).
• They are also rare coins R2 those from Napoli with the larger and stockier head of the King, which can reach a value exceeding € 1000.

NC are the 5 centesimi of lira from Naples dated 1861 while all others are classified as common.

Description

Here are the coins of 5 Centesimi Umberto I.

On the reverse, the 5 centesimi coins of Umberto I are identical to those of his predecessor, with the value and year of minting enclosed in a laurel and oak wreath, with a radiant star at the top and the mint mark R at the bottom under the ribbon.

On the obverse, the profile featured this time is that of King Umberto I, facing left with the signature SPERANZA under the neck.
In circulation, it reads UMBERTO I RE D’ITALIA, while the other characteristics remain unchanged, namely: diameter 25 millimeters, weight 5 grams, material bronze (copper and tin), and smooth edge.

History

In 1870, the mints of Naples and Turin were closed and in 1892, that of Milan, therefore all the 5 centesimi coins of Umberto I were minted by the mint in Rome.
The specimens dated 1896 were actually minted in 1897.
2000 specimens of 5 centesimi coins with the year 1900 were also minted, but they were never put into circulation and were melted down due to the death of the King.

Value of the 5 Centesimi of Lira “Umberto I”

• Both the 5 centesimi Umberto I dated 1895 and those dated 1896 are classified as rare coins, with a total mintage of 887,200 specimens.
  As a result, their value, if in BU, can reach € 250/300.

Description

Now we describe the coin of 5 Centesimi Vittorio Emanuele III.

On the obverse, this very rare 5 centesimi of lira features the profile of King Vittorio Emanuele III, with the signature SPERANZA below the neck and the inscription VITTORIO EMANUELE III RE D’ITALIA around the edge.

The reverse of these 5 centesimi Vittorio Emanuele III is the same as the previous ones, with the value and year of minting included in an oak and laurel wreath, with a radiant star at the top and the mint mark at the bottom.

There are two known types, with the second type differing from the first in weight (4.95 grams instead of 5 grams) and in the size of the letters in the obverse inscription, which are taller.

History

The history of these early 5 centesimi of lira of Vittorio Emanuele III is very interesting.
First of all, despite bearing the signature of Filippo Speranza, they were retouched by Polledri, who temporarily took over from Speranza after his death in 1903.

Only 10 specimens of these coins were minted, 5 of the first type and 5 of the second type, which were presented to the Ministry of the Treasury for approval.

They never entered circulation and the produced pieces were used for gifts.

The specimens of the first type ended up:

• one in the collection of the King
• one at the Mint Museum
• and the other three in private collections, although one is now in a public collection in Turin. (Collezione Pozzi)

Of the second type, only one specimen is known for certain, identified in a private collection by Ing. D’Incerti.

Both types are considered SAMPLE COINS by the Gigante.

Value of the 5 Centesimi of Lira “Vittorio Emanuele III”

• With such a limited mintage, these 5 Centesimi Vittorio Emanuele III of 1904 are very rare coins and are classified as rare coins R5.
  A specimen of 5 centesimi Vittorio Emanuele III 1904 of the first type in SPL-FDC quality was purchased in 2011 at an auction (Varesi n°59) for € 23,000.
• The known specimen of 5 centesimi Vittorio Emanuele III 1904 of the second type was sold at an auction (Nomisma n°47) in 2013 for €40,000.

Description

In 1908, the first 5 Centesimi Vittorio Emanuele III Italy on Bow were minted.

On the obverse of these 5 centesimi coins minted in Italy, there is a semi-bust in uniform of King Vittorio Emanuele III facing left, surrounded by the inscription VITTORIO•EMANVELE•III•RE•D’ITALIA.

On the reverse, there is a depiction of a female figure, the allegorical embodiment of Italy, holding an olive branch while standing on the bow of a ship.
On the bow of the ship, the R mark of the Rome mint is visible, while on the side, the letters P.C.M. (Pietro Canonica Modelli) and L.G.I. (Luigi Giorgi Incisione) can be read. The value “CENT.5” and the year of minting are placed at the top, respectively to the left and right of the female figure.

History

These 5 centesimi of lira began to be minted in 1908. The coins from 1908 feature the P.C.M. and L.G.I. initials and the MdZ in relief on the reverse.
In 1909, in addition to having the initials in relief, they also have the R of Rome in incuse.
All other 5 centesimi coins feature both the initials and the mint mark in incuse.

In 1912 and 1913, the legend on the obverse reads “VITTORIO•EMANVELE•III•RE•D’•ITALIA,” while there are 5 centesimi coins from 1913 where the dot (•) between “D’” and “ITALIA” is missing on the obverse.

Value of the 5 Centesimi of Lira “Italy on Bow”

• The 5 Centesimi Vittorio Emanuele III Italy on Bow coins from 1913 without the dot are classified as rare coins R2 and in FDC can reach a value of € 1,400.
• The 5 Centesimi Vittorio Emanuele III Italy on Bow from 1908 is classified as a rare coin R, reaching a maximum value of about € 300.
  
  The 5 Centesimi Vittorio Emanuele III Italy on Bow coins from 1912, 1913, and 1915 are classified as NC, while the 5 centesimi from 1918 are classified as common.

A site we always recommend for buying and selling Italian coins as well as coins from around the world is this one.

Description

5 Centesimi Vittorio Emanuele III Spiga.

On the obverse, the usual representation features the profile of the King along with the inscription “VITTORIO EMANVELE III RE D’ITALIA”, with only the signature of the designer and engraver “A•MOTTI” (Attilio Silvio Motti) differing.

On the reverse, a ear of wheat is depicted, with the value C.5 indicated on either side. Below the 5, the minting date can be read, while in the lower right corner is the R mark of the Rome mint.

The depiction of the ear of wheat was inspired by ancient coins from Metaponto.
The diameter and weight of this coin vary depending on the type.

• The first type has a diameter of 17 millimeters, a weight of 2 grams, and a reeded edge.
• While the second type has a diameter of 19.5 millimeters, a weight of 3.25 grams, and a smooth edge.

History

The first version of the 5 Centesimi Spiga (first type) was minted in iron-nickel in 1918 and 1919, to address the shortage of copper and nickel.

Unfortunately, this material was not suitable to withstand circulation wear, and therefore was never put into circulation.

There is also a proof version of this first type of 5 centesimi, dated 1918.

Given the difficulties in minting the 5 Centesimi Spiga of the first type, these iron-nickel coins were soon abandoned.
From 1919, the issuance of 5 Centesimi Spiga of the second type, in bronze (copper and tin), began, and minting continued until 1937.

There is also a proof version of the 5 Centesimi “Spiga” of the second type, and in fact, there are two, one with the inscription “PROVA” placed circularly and one with the inscription horizontally.

Value of the 5 Centesimi of Lira Vittorio Emanuele III Spiga

Since the total mintage of these 5 Centesimi Spiga of the second type is a substantial 454,383,371 specimens, they are classified as common, with the exception of:

• those from 1919 (not common)
• those from 1937 (rare)
• the PROVA versions classified as R2.

• The value of the latter, if in FDC, can reach up to 850 euros.
• Those from 1937 can reach up to €200.
• As for the 5 Centesimi “Spiga” of the first type, their value in FDC is around € 400/500.
• The value rises to €800 for the proof versions of the first type 5 Centesimi Spiga.

If you own a rare coin among these 5 lire, you can easily sell it at auction individually or in a lot on this site and find a bidder for very high amounts.

Description

5 Centesimi Vittorio Emanuele III Empire.

On the obverse of these last 5 centesimi coins of the Kingdom of Italy, the head of King Vittorio Emanuele III is depicted facing right. The inscription “VITT•EM•III•RE•E•IMP•” is written around the edge.

On the reverse, in the center, there is a representation of an eagle with outstretched wings holding a bundle in its claws. At the top, it reads ITALIA, while at the bottom, beneath the bundle, we find the Savoy coat of arms with the value indication “C.5” on either side.
The year of minting is shown on the left in Arabic numerals and the equivalent fascist year in Roman numerals on the right. To the left of the “C.” of the value is the mint mark R and finally at the bottom is the signature of the designer “G•ROMAGNOLI”.

The engraver is Pietro Giampaoli.

History

There are two variants of these 5 centesimi “Empire” coins:

• the first variant was minted from 1936 to 1939 in bronze (copper 950‰, tin 40‰, and zinc 10‰)
• while the second variant was minted in bronzital (an alloy we have discussed in other articles) starting from 1939 until 1943.

The 5 centesimi Empire of the first type has a diameter of 19.5 millimeters, a weight of 3.25 grams, and a smooth edge.
The second type has the same diameter and smooth edge but a weight of only 2.95 grams.

There are numerous examples of the second type that exhibit a worn die, with few details and blurred letters. (see the definition of worn die on this page) These coins were issued from 1937 to celebrate the establishment of the Italian Empire and both types have proof versions.

Value of the 5 Centesimi of Lira “Empire”

• Regarding the value of the 5 centesimi Empire of the first type, the PROOF version is a rare coin, classified as R3, and in FDC quality can have a value of € 1,200.

The others are classified as common, except for those from 1936 which, having a lower mintage, are classified as NC.
The total mintage of these coins of the first type is 58,205,000 pieces.

The 5 centesimi Empire of the second type are all classified as CC, very common, except for those from 1943, which are rare.
R3 is the classification of the PROOF version from 1939.
The 5 centesimi “Empire” coins of the second type have a total mintage of 66,466,000 pieces!

Didn't find what you were looking for? Check out these topics on 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 100 lire and their value, you can find it here and also that of the 1000 Lire of the Italian Republic.
• We have discussed 200 lire and their value here.
• We have talked about Telephone Tokens that were worth 200 lire on this page.
• We have also discussed 500 silver lire, 500 bimetallic lire, and 500 paper lire
  
• For German-speaking collectors, we have created a dedicated version of the catalog of rare coins that you can find here “MoneteRare Deutschland”.