Italy – Banknote History

Before Italy joined the European Union their national currency was the Italian Lira. Its dates back to 1861 and was eventually put to rest in 2002. Over the years there were many versions and designs. When you go over the designs from various years, Italian Lira banknotes always had a very tasteful design that makes it stand out from a regular banknote. Read along and tell us what you think about their designs.

Early Banknotes In Italy

The Italy 1 Lira 1864 is a very colorful banknote with a lot of eye catching design for the time. Honestly some of the design seems ahead of its time. On the front it only says 1Lira but, the text and patterns are so well put together almost. The reverse features a man and woman sitting in the center with L1 to signify the 1 Lira denomination. Maybe its just me but, the L1 pattern make it look like if it were some trendy fashion design. There are more modest designs too like the 1 Lira, 1872. It’s colored in orange and red but, it doesn’t have that design that really pops. The front only has text and patterns while the back has only a vignette.

In the early 1900’s there was a redesign of the banknotes. They featured more realistic portrait like designs on them. I would compare the design to French banknote designs. The 50 Lire, 1919 has plant vignettes around all edges, a woman on the front and on the reverse an agricultural scene. The Italy 1,000 Lire, 1943 evolved in design, it was more comparable to a USD it was issued by the allies during WWII. In the 80′ the final version of the Lira would begin to circulate. This last design is a combination of modern and historic very well implemented. It features composer Vincenzo Bellini on the front as well as an opera scene in the background. The reverse features an opera scene.