The 1 Lira 1922 is a coin issued by the Kingdom of Italy during the reign of Vittorio Emanuele III (1900–1946). It is one of the most representative coins of Italian currency prior to the adoption of the euro.
Historical Context
The lira was Italy’s official currency from 1861 until it was replaced by the euro in 2002. In the early 20th century, under the reign of Vittorio Emanuele III, several coin series were issued for everyday circulation, including the 1 Lira 1922. This coin circulated in the immediate post–World War I period, a time of political and economic instability in Italy that would soon lead to the rise of Fascism in the 1920s.
Design and Technical Specifications
The 1 Lira 1922 coin has the following physical and artistic characteristics:
- Issuer: Kingdom of Italy (House of Savoy)
- Year: 1922
- Denomination: 1 Lira (1 ITL)
- Composition: Nickel
- Weight: approximately 8 g
- Diameter: about 26.5–27 mm
- Thickness: around 1.96 mm
- Shape: Round, with reeded edge
- Minting technique: Milled
- Mint: Rome (mint mark “R”)
Obverse
The obverse features a seated female figure representing the allegory of Italy, holding a small statue of a winged Victory and an olive branch—symbols of peace and triumph. The inscriptions include ITALIA, the year 1922, and the engravers’ signatures G. Romagnoli and A. Motti.
Reverse
The reverse displays the inscription BVONO DA L.1, accompanied by the crowned shield of the House of Savoy, surrounded by laurel branches. Below the design appears the Rome mint mark “R”.
Mintage and Circulation
The 1922 issue had a very high mintage, with over 82 million coins struck at the Rome Mint. As a result, the coin is considered common among collectors, especially in average circulated conditions.
Numismatic Value
The value of a 1 Lira 1922 coin varies greatly depending on its state of preservation:
- In heavily circulated grades (Good to Very Fine), the value is generally low, often only a few euros or dollars, reflecting its abundance.
- In higher grades (Extremely Fine to About Uncirculated), the value increases but remains affordable for most collectors.
- Coins in Mint State (Fior di Conio / MS), especially those with strong luster and minimal contact marks, can reach significantly higher prices at specialized auctions. Exceptional examples may sell for tens to several hundred euros, depending on market demand and professional grading.
Exact prices depend on current market trends, collector demand, and whether the coin has been certified by grading services such as NGC or PCGS.
Final Considerations
The 1 Lira 1922 coin represents an important piece of Italian monetary history from the interwar period and the reign of Vittorio Emanuele III. Its classical design and large mintage make it a popular coin for collectors of early 20th-century European coinage. While most examples do not command high prices, well-preserved specimens are appreciated and can hold notable numismatic value.
