Type photo of the 5 lire Dolphin series (1996 specimen in a capsule). Not a 1956 piece.

Italy · 1956 · 5 Lire

1956 5 lire value: the only rare Dolphin

The 1956 5 lire Dolphin is the date that matters: only 400,000 were struck, against 436 million in 1954. Fine starts around €60; the best uncirculated pieces have brought €2,100–3,500 at auction.

Description of the 5 Lire Dolphin 1956

1956 5 lire Dolphin value, type photo of the series in a capsule — Type photo of the 5 lire Dolphin series (1996 specimen in a capsule). Not a 1956 piece.

Same type as the Dolphin series: rudder, dolphin, Italma, Rome R, Romagnoli. Only the date — and the mintage — change.

After 1956 Rome stopped the Dolphin 5 lire until 1966. Compared with 1954 you must read the date, not the design: the type is identical.

Coin specifications

Country	Italy
Coin type	Circulation coin
Subject	Dolphin
Denomination	5 lire
Year	1956
Catalogue	KM# 92
Engraver	Giuseppe Romagnoli
Mint	Rome
Material	Italma (aluminium alloy)
Diameter	20,20 mm
Thickness	1,40 mm
Weight	1 g
Edge	Smooth
Alignment	Coin alignment (180°)

Mintage and rarity

Year	Mint	Mintage	Notes
1956	Rome	400.000	FDC 3.500€

Market value

What is a 1956 5 lire worth? MoneteRare catalogue: €60 Fine, €150 VF, €600 XF, €3,500 uncirculated (top FDC auction results around €2,100–3,500). Grade does all the work on a 1-gram aluminium rarity.

Fakes and altered dates circulate. Check the 1956 numerals under magnification, the metal, and get an expert opinion if unsure. A 1954 or 1955 does not become 1956 with a recut date.

Frequently asked questions

How much is a 1956 5 lire worth?

From about €60 in Fine and €150 in VF up to €600 in XF and €2,100–3,500 uncirculated. Mintage: 400,000.

Is the 1956 5 lire rare?

Yes. It is the only Dolphin date classed R: 400,000 coins versus hundreds of millions for 1951–1955.

How much is the 1956 5 lire Dolphin worth?

Same ranges: €60 Fine to €3,500 uncirculated for auction-grade pieces. The design is that of the whole 1951–2001 series.

How can I spot a fake 1956 5 lire?

Fakes often start from a common date with the numerals altered. Compare the 1956 digits with a genuine piece, check the 1 g weight and Italma metal. When in doubt, get it authenticated.

1956 5 lire value in euro?

Indicatively from €60 (Fine) to €3,500 (uncirculated), depending on grade.

Where to sell or buy coins

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