5 Lire - Umberto I
| Silver (.900) | 25 g | 37 mm |
| Issuer | Italy |
|---|---|
| King | Umberto I (1878-1900) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1878-1879 |
| Value | 5 Lire (5 ITL) |
| Currency | Lira (1861-2001) |
| Composition | Silver (.900) |
| Weight | 25 g |
| Diameter | 37 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#13537 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 18% |
Reverse
Savoia crowned coat of arms decorated with the Collare dell'Annunziata divides value, all encircled in a wreath made by a branch of laurel and one of oak with the Star of Italy above and the mintmark below the wreath to the right
Script: Latin
Lettering:
L 5
R
Translation:
5 Lire
R
Engraver: Filippo Speranza
Edge
Lettering incuse with Guilloche and rosettes
Script: Latin
Lettering: FERT * * FERT * * FERT * *
Translation:
FERT was the motto of the house of Savoy, adopted by King Vittorio Amedeo II (1666-1732). It is thought to be an acronym, though what it stands for have been lost to time. Theories include:
1. Foedere Et Religione Tenemur (Latin, ‘treaty and religion bind us’)
2. Fortitudo Eius Rempublicam Tenet (Latin, ‘his bravery [or strength] preserves [or defends] the state’)
3. Fides Est Regni Tutela (Latin, ‘faith is the protector of [our] kingdom’)
Another theory suggests that it is in fact the Latin word fert, the third-person singular present active indicative of ferre (Meaning he/she/it suffers/bears), in reference to Jesus bearing the sins of the world.
Comment
The coin dated 1878 has the head of the king a bit smaller than the coin of 1879. Furthermore the reliefs are more pronounced.
These coins (along with other 5 franc coins of the Latin Monetary Union) saw frequent circulation in El Salvador until they were withdrawn on September 3rd, 1892.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the 5 Lire - Umberto I 1878-1879 coin from Italy is that it was minted during a time of significant political and social change in the country. The coin was issued during the reign of King Umberto I, who ruled from 1878 to 1900. During his reign, Italy underwent significant modernization and industrialization, and the coinage of the time reflects this change. The 5 Lire coin, in particular, was designed to be a more accessible and widely used denomination, and its silver content and weight were carefully chosen to ensure its durability and value. Despite being over 140 years old, this coin remains a popular collector's item and a fascinating piece of Italian history.
Price
| Date | Mintage | VG | F | VF | XF | AU | UNC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1878 R | 100000 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 1879 R | 4000000 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Values in the table are based on evaluations by sales realized on Internet platforms. They serve as an indication only for 5 Lire - Umberto I 1878-1879 coin.
