Rare 5 Lire

Minted for the first time in 1807, it has accompanied Italian history through the decades, spanning the First and Second World Wars, up to its last revision in 1951.

It is important to emphasize that there have been various materials that characterized this coin, making each “edition” different from the previous one.

We are talking about materials such as silver, of course, but also “italma,” which is an alloy of aluminum and magnesium.

What we are interested in understanding and analyzing, however, are the characteristics of the rare 5 Lire. These coins are indeed difficult to find and possess unique distinctive features that allow them to be distinguished from traditional coins.

Naturally, due to their uniqueness, they can often have a value that is decidedly interesting and higher than the market.

Specifically, we will discuss various types of rare 5 Lire coins, as well as specimens with manufacturing defects or particular marks, analyzing their value, condition, and interesting aspects.

The 5 lire coins are an example of those coins that can reach a value of tens of thousands of euros. However, rare 5 lire coins are not the majority, as clearly coins with high mintage or low grading do not retain high value.

Among the most well-known rare 5 lire coins, in addition to all the PROOF versions, are the 5 lire grape coins from 1946 – 1947, which have a value exceeding €1000.

Among the very famous 5 lire coins with the dolphin, there are 2 coins classified as R, including the 5 lire from 1956. The value this coin has reached at auction is €3,500 if in Uncirculated condition. The MB version, therefore with a lower grading, has a value of about €60.

But we will discuss each rare 5 lire coin and their specific value in detail in this very article to read all the way through.

Let's see together what they are.

The 5 Lire Vittorio Emanuele II are three and can all be considered rare coins, some of them are even classified as R4.

• First Type: The 5 Lire Vittorio Emanuele II Unity of Italy
• Second Type: The 5 Lire Vittorio Emanuele II Coat of Arms
• The 5 Lire Vittorio Emanuele II Coat of Arms GOLD

5 Lire Vittorio Emanuele II Unity of Italy

Let’s start by describing the coin of the First Type, the 5 Lire Vittorio Emanuele II Unity of Italy, minted in 1861 and classified as a rare coin R2. Made of 900 silver, with a diameter of 37 mm and a weight of 25 g.

On the Obverse of the coin is depicted the profile of King Vittorio Emanuele II facing right, below the neck is engraved the signature of the author L. Gori F. followed by the symbol of the director of the Mint of Florence Marchese Liugi Ridolfi, a stylized Mountain with a ribbon.
At the top in a semicircle is engraved the inscription VITTORIO EMANUELE II • RE D'ITALIA. Along the edge of the coin is engraved a beaded milled border.

On the Reverse of the same coin is instead engraved the Coat of Arms of Savoy with the Royal Crown, surrounded by the Collar of the Annunziata and two laurel branches tied at the base with a draped bow.
At the top is engraved the semicircular inscription CINQUE LIRE ITALIANE, while at the bottom is indicated the mint FIRENZE, the fascio horizontally and the date of issue MARCH 1861. Always

The Edge features the inscription FERT three times, alternated with rosettes and Savoy knots.

• The 5 Lire Vittorio Emanuele II Unity of Italy are the first Commemorative coins of the Italian Kingdom, minted to commemorate the Kingdom of Italy, they have a very high value and are classified R2, clearly they are among the 5 lire that are worth the most.

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5 Lire Vittorio Emanuele II Coat of Arms

The coin of the Second Type is the 5 Lire Vittorio Emanuele II Coat of Arms minted from 1861 to 1878. The mint can be:

• Milano M (Italic)
• Napoli N (Italic)
• Roma R (In uppercase without monograms)
• Torino T (Italic)

The coin is made of 900 silver, with a diameter of 37 millimeters and a weight of 25 grams.

On the Obverse is the portrait of Vittorio Emanuele II seen in profile looking to the right. Below, along the neck line is the signature of the engraver FERRARIS.
At the top of the coin along the beaded border is engraved the inscription VITTORIO EMANUELE II and at the bottom the year of minting.

The Reverse is characterized by the crowned Coat of Arms of Savoy, surrounded by the Collar of the Annunziata and the two laurel branches framing the coat of arms.
On the right and left is engraved the inscription REGNO D'ITALIA, at the bottom the face value of L • 5 preceded by the mint mark and followed by the initials of the National Bank BN.

Meanwhile, the Edge bears the inscription FERT three times, alternated with rosettes and Savoy knots.

• The 5 Lire Vittorio Emanuele II Coat of Arms can boast many rare coins, including R, R2, R3, and R4. They can reach values of up to €22,000 in some cases.

5 Lire Vittorio Emanuele II Coat of Arms GOLD

In 1863 and 1865, the 5 Lire Vittorio Emanuele II Coat of Arms GOLD were minted, made of 900 gold, with a reeded edge, a diameter of 17 mm and a weight of 1.61 g. Initially minted to replace the 5 Lire shield in silver, this did not happen due to new agreements of the Latin Monetary Convention.

On the Obverse is engraved the profile of King Vittorio Emanuele II facing left, below the neck line is the signature of the engraver FERRARIS. At the center at the bottom is the year of minting and around the coin the inscription VITTORIO EMANUELE II.

On the Reverse is prominently displayed the Savoy Coat of Arms surrounded by two laurel branches and the Collar of the Annunziata. At the bottom the value L • 5, the mint mark and that of the National Bank BN.

The Edge is reeded.

• Here is the value table for the 5 Lire Vittorio Emanuele II Coat of Arms GOLD, minted in 1863 and 1865. It is worth from €200 to €1,200.

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The 5 Lire Umberto I were minted in 1878 and 1879 by the Rome mint R. Weighing 25 g, with a diameter of 37 mm and made of silver 900.

On the Obverse, they feature a profile portrait of King Umberto I, facing right, surrounded by the inscription UMBERTO I RE D'ITALIA. Below the neck is the signature of SPERANZA, the engraver, and the year of minting. The edge is beaded.

The Reverse is very similar to that of the 3 lire of Vittorio Emanuele II, as it has at the center the Coat of Arms of Savoy crowned with the Collar of the Annunziata surrounding it, all set within a frame formed by a laurel branch on the left and an oak branch on the right, joined by a bow in the center followed by the symbol of the Rome mint R.
On the left is the letter L for lire and on the right 5.

The Edge in incuse of the Lire Umberto I has the inscription FERT repeated three times, alternated with rosettes and Savoy knots.

Value of 5 Lire Umberto I

• Here is the table with the values of the 5 Lire Umberto I First type and Second type. The rare coin is the First Type, its value can reach €15,000 if in Uncirculated condition.

The 5 Lire coins of Vittorio Emanuele III were minted from 1901 to 1941 and include:

• 5 Lire Vittorio Emanuele III Savoy Eagle
• 5 Lire Vittorio Emanuele III Fiftieth Anniversary
• 5 Lire Vittorio Emanuele III Quadriga Briosa
• 5 Lire Vittorio Emanuele III Little Eagle
• 5 Lire Vittorio Emanuele III Fertile Italy

Among these, there are many rare coins, some classified as R, others even R4, making them extremely rare coins.

5 Lire Vittorio Emanuele III Savoy Eagle

The first 5 lire are the 5 Lire Vittorio Emanuele III Savoy Eagle, minted in 1901 and classified as rare coins R4, with very few specimens minted, just over a hundred.

Weighing 25 grams, with a diameter of 37 millimeters and made of Silver 835.

On the Obverse, there is an engraving of the profile of King Vittorio Emanuele III facing right, below the portrait is the engraver's signature SPERANZA, to the left the inscription VITTORIO, to the right EMANUELE III. Along the edge, there is a beaded pattern.

On the Reverse, the Savoy Eagle is engraved with a crown and open wings, at the center of its chest is the Savoy Coat of Arms. At the top right and left, there is the inscription REGNO D'ITALIA.
At the bottom center of the coin, between the two Savoy knots, the engraving ∞ L • 5 ☆ R ☆ 1901 ∞. Around it, the beaded pattern.

The Edge bears the inscription FERT three times, alternating with rosettes and Savoy knots.

Value of 5 Lire Vittorio Emanuele III Savoy Eagle

The coin 5 Lire Vittorio Emanuele III Savoy Eagle of the First Type is one of the rarest coins! Its value in BU condition is 110,000€, if the state of preservation is MB, Very Fine, the value drops to 15,000€.

The 5 Lire Vittorio Emanuele III Cinquantenario were minted in Silver 900 in 1911 and are classified as rare coins R. The diameter is 37 mm and the weight is 25 grams.

On the Obverse, there is the profile of King Vittorio Emanuele III facing left, surrounded by the inscription VITTORIO EMANVELE III RE D' ITALIA. Below the neckline, there are the signatures of the authors D. TRENTACOSTE and L. GIORGI INC. The edge is beaded.

The Reverse features a female representation of Italy in front of a warrior with a helmet on a pedestal, a figure that symbolizes Rome.
In the background, there is a steamship with the Savoy Shield on the bow, to the left is a plow, all adorned with garlands and wreaths.
Also on the left are the dates 1861-1911 and on the right L • 5 with the symbol of the mint of Rome R below.

The Edge bears the incuse inscription FERT three times, alternated with rosettes and Savoy knots.

Value 5 Lire Vittorio Emanuele III Cinquantenario

5 Lire Vittorio Emanuele III Quadriga Briosa

The coin 5 Lire 1914, namely the 5 Lire Vittorio Emanuele III Quadriga Briosa, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful coins ever made in the world from a purely artistic point of view, which makes it one of the most sought after. Minted only in 1914 and classified as a rare coin R2.
This coin was minted by King Vittorio Emanuele III with remarkable care and attention to detail.

The diameter is 37 mm while the weight is 25 grams and it is made of Silver 900.

On the Obverse of the coin is represented the half-bust in uniform of Vittorio Emanuele III facing right with the Collar of the Annunziata and to the right, at the bottom, the signature of the author D. CALANDRA.
The Reverse instead represents Italy personified holding an olive branch, a symbol of peace, on a quadriga with horses adorned with flowers.

On the Edge, the inscription reads: FERT three times alternated with rosettes and Savoy knots.

As mentioned, since it is one of the most beautiful coins, there are numerous counterfeits circulated especially between the 1970s and 1980s. Usually, to recognize these imitations, one must pay close attention to the details regarding the reliefs, which tend to be much more confused in the fakes compared to the originals.

In any case, many different imitations have circulated, and therefore it is advisable to consult a numismatic expert who can offer a professional opinion.

Value 5 Lire Vittorio Emanuele III Quadriga Briosa

As we have seen, the coin 5 Lire 1914, while not being among the rarest, as its mintage was not particularly low, is one of the most sought after due to its aesthetic beauty.

Its value can vary significantly based on the state of preservation, which is a parameter that should always be considered.

• For FDC (Fior di Conio) or qFDC (Quasi Fior di Conio) coins, the price is around €13.000 due to their excellent state of preservation.
• For SPL (Splendido) and BB (Bellissimo) coins, which show very few signs of wear, the price drops between €6.000 and €7.000.
• However, the PROVA version of the 5 Lire 1914 Vittorio Emanuele III Quadriga Briosa can reach a value of €15.000.

5 Lire Vittorio Emanuele III Aquilotto

The 5 Lire Vittorio Emanuele III Aquilotto was issued from 1926 to 1935.

On the Obverse, the reason this 5 Lire coin is called “Aquilotto”.

Regarding the Obverse, the depiction features Vittorio Emanuele II King of Italy in profile facing left with the names of the author and engraver G. ROMAGNOLI and A. MOTTI indicated below. Surrounding it is the inscription VITTORIO • EMANUELE • III • RE • D'ITALIA •

On the Reverse of the 5 Lire Aquilotto, there is an eagle with slightly spread wings holding between its claws a horizontal Fascio Litorio with the axe. Slightly lower and in the center is indicated the value of the coin L • 5, while on the left are details such as the year and the mint mark R.

The Edge: FERT three times alternated with rosettes and Savoy knots.

We are talking about a coin that has many variants, which has made it very sought after over the years. Specifically, regarding the edges of coins dated 1927, 1928, and 1929, there are two variants: one has two consecutive rosettes while another has only one.

In any case, this is a fairly rare coin as, for specimens from the period between 1931 and 1935, only 50 pieces were minted each year, intended exclusively for collectors.

These specimens are classified as R3.

Value 5 Lire Aquilotto with Vittorio Emanuele III

• The 5 Lire Aquilotto coins minted between 1931 and 1935 are highly sought after by collectors and numismatists. Their value, in excellent condition, can reach several thousand euros, such as the splendid R3 specimen from 1934 which was auctioned on April 13, 2013 for €3.450.
• However, there are also more accessible and still fascinating coins like the 5 Lire Aquilotto of 1926 FDC classified as R which was awarded at auction on February 15, 2011 for €311.
• To get an idea of the value of common coins issued between 1927 and 1930 with conditions significantly lower than FDC or QFDC, one can refer to the current value of silver and multiply it by the weight of the coin itself.

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5 Lire Vittorio Emanuele III Italia Feconda

The 5 Lire Vittorio Emanuele III Italia Feconda was minted from 1936 to 1941, most are classified as rare coins R4, with one even R5.

The diameter is 23 mm, the weight is 5 grams, and the material is Silver 835.

On the Obverse, there is the profile of King Vittorio Emanuele III facing left, to his left is the inscription VITT • EM • III and to his right RE • E • IMP •.

The Reverse instead depicts the personification of fertile Italy seated, nursing one of the two infants she holds in her arms, while two other children stand to her right and left.
Above is the inscription I T A L I A, below the value L • 5. On the left is the Savoy Coat of Arms with the minting year and the R of the mint of Rome below. On the right is the lictor bundle with the axe, the year of the fascist era, and at the bottom the signature of the engraver G. ROMAGNOLI.

The Edge is smooth with the inscription FERT repeated three times, alternated with rosettes and Savoy knots.

Value 5 Lire Vittorio Emanuele III Italia Feconda

The 5 Lire Italian Republic are divided into:

• 5 Lire Italian Republic Grape
• 5 Lire Italian Republic Dolphin

5 Lire Grape – Italian Republic

The 5 Lire Italian Republic Grape were minted from 1946 to 1950 in Italma, have a diameter of 26.90 mm, weigh 2.50 g, and have a thickness of 2.10 mm.

Regarding the Obverse, it features a female head facing right holding a torch in her hands. The inscriptions REPVBBLICA ITALIANA and the names of the authors: G.ROMAGNOLI and P.GIAMPAOL are also present.

On the Reverse, there is a bunch of grapes, which indeed gives the coin its name. Specifically, it is placed at the center of the coin's value with the mintmark of Rome R and the year indicated below.

The Edge is reeded.

This coin varies greatly in terms of rarity, depending on the different editions over the years.

Value 5 Lire Grape

To establish the value of a 5 Lire Grape coin, several factors must be considered that can undoubtedly make a difference.

In particular, the main factors are two: the year of minting since it also affects the rarity of the coin based on the number of specimens minted, and the condition has a significant influence.

5 Lire 1950 Value

On the other hand, the 5 Lire coin from 1950, also of the 5 Lire “Grape” type, is very common. It has a value of about 3 euros if in good condition and can be valued up to 50€ if in perfect FDC condition.

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5 Lire Dolphin – Italian Republic

5 Lire Dolphin were minted from 1951 to 2001, with a diameter of 20.20 mm, a weight of 1 g, a thickness of 1.40 mm, and the material is Italma. A coin that, from a purely aesthetic point of view, is very simple but at the same time quite striking.

On the Obverse, there is indeed a steering wheel represented with the inscription REPVBBLICA ITALIANA around it and at the bottom the signature of the author G. ROMAGNOLI.

The Reverse, on the other hand, is what actually gives this rare 5 Lire coin its name. It features a dolphin with a slightly bent tail. Above the animal, a 5 is engraved to indicate the value of the coin, while to the right is the mintmark R.

As with the other rare 5 Lire coins, to establish the actual value of a single specimen, one must analyze the year of production and especially the condition. To get a much clearer idea, it is good to evaluate the individual models.

Value 5 Lire 1951

The 5 Lire Dolphin coin from 1951 was minted in as many as 40,260,000 copies and is therefore a coin that we could define as practically common. For FDC specimens, the price is indeed €8, while for qFDC it drops to €5, which becomes €3 for coins in SPL condition.

Value 5 Lire 1952

As for the 5 Lire coin from 1952, we are talking about a slightly higher mintage that reached 57,400,000 specimens. Again, this is not a particularly rare coin, but it can still present an interesting value.
Compared to the previous model, the value of FDC coins rises to €9, while for qFDC and SPL it remains €5 and €3, respectively.

Value 5 Lire 1953

The 5 Lire Dolphin coin from 1953 saw an even greater mintage than the previous ones, with 196,200,000 pieces minted. Therefore, it is an even more common coin, but its value is slightly higher.

For coins in FDC condition, the price is indeed €10, for those in qFDC the price drops to €6, while for those in SPL the value is €3.

5 Lire 1954 Value:

In 1954, as many as 436,400,000 specimens of 5 Lire Dolphin were minted. For this reason, the edition of this year is to be considered one of the most common overall. Specifically, the price of this coin can vary based on its condition. Let's see it together:

For FDC coins of the 5 Lire 1954, the value is €15, for those in qFDC it drops to €10, while for those in SPL it stabilizes at €7.

It should be noted that there is also one variant of the 1954 edition that has a very interesting peculiarity. We are indeed talking about a coin that features on the obverse the engraver's signature distant from the edge, about 1 millimeter from the edge, which is farther from the edge than the normal coin.

Regarding this alternative version of the 5 Lire 1954, it is considered uncommon. Consequently, the value is €25 for FDC coins, €15 for qFDC, and €6 for SPL.

Value 5 Lire 1955

Another very interesting coin is the 5 Lire Dolphin from 1955. In this case, we are talking about a less common coin with as many as 159,000,000 pieces minted.
Once again, it is essential to carefully evaluate the condition to get a clearer idea.

For FDC coins, the value is indeed €8, for those in qFDC it is €5, and finally for those in SPL it is €4.

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Value 5 Lire 1956

The 5 Lire Dolphin coin from 1956 is undoubtedly one of the rarest with the highest value. Specifically, only 400,000 specimens were minted, making it one of the most sought after by collectors.

Given what has been said, it is easy to understand that its value is also higher than other editions. For FDC coins, the starting price is €2,100, for qFDC it is €650, around €200 for those in SPL, and finally €100 for those in BB.

Value 5 Lire 1989

Finally, we conclude with a very interesting 5 Lire coin. The 1989 edition indeed saw the production of 2,500,000 specimens for a coin that, all in all, is considered quite common. For this reason, the value in FDC condition is €3.

What we are interested in analyzing, however, is a minting error present in this production. Specifically, some of these coins feature on the reverse the inverted steering wheel and can easily be cataloged among the uncommon coins. The value of these specimens is €20 for FDC condition, €10 for SPL, and finally €1 for those in BB.

Another particular coin that can indeed have the value of 5 Lire, and which we feel is worth mentioning, is the Thaler. This is a 5 lire silver coin that is quite sought after, which we have analyzed in a specific article. See also the Thaler of Eritrea, a coin worth 5 Lire from 1890 on this page: the thaler.

Want to estimate the value of your 5 lire coins by yourself?

Download our ebook “What is the value of 5 Lire” and you will be able to check the value of each individual 100 lire coin you have. Check here.

Didn’t find what you were looking for? Check these topics on the lira:

• Here you can learn everything about the 1 lira coin, 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 coin, look here and here for the rare 2 centesimi of lira and the 5 centesimi of lira.
• If you want info on the 100 lire and their value, you can find it here, as well as that of the 1000 Lire of the Italian Republic.
• We have covered the 200 lire and their value here.
• We discussed the Telephone Tokens that were worth 200 lire on this page.
• We also talked about the 500 lire silver, the 500 lire bimetallic, and the 500 lire paper
  
• For German-speaking collectors, we have created a dedicated version of the catalog of rare coins found here “MoneteRare Deutschland”.

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