50 Italian Lire coin (Vulcan large type)

50 Italian Lire (Vulcan, Large Type)

The larger original 50 lire carried the celebrated Vulcan design for decades before a smaller module was introduced, and it remains one of the most recognisable coins of the lira era. Struck in acmonital, a hard-wearing stainless-steel alloy, it had a solid silvery feel and a broad, clear field for its classical motif. A reeded edge made it easy to tell apart from other denominations. The lira was withdrawn when Italy adopted the euro in 2002.

On the obverse appears a youthful female head personifying the Italian Republic, facing left beneath a laurel wreath, with her hair falling behind. The legend “REPVBBLICA ITALIANA” runs around the border, and the designers’ names, Romagnoli and Giampaoli, are inscribed in minute letters below the truncation of the neck.

On the reverse, from Giuseppe Romagnoli’s design, the nude figure of Vulcan, god of fire and the forge, is shown striking an anvil with his hammer. The denomination “L.50” stands to the right, the year to the left and the Rome mint mark “R” beneath the figure.

Webuyallcurrency.com buys foreign coins and banknotes for cash, including this 50 Italian Lire coin from Italy. Send it in with any other Italian Lire coins you have and we will handle the exchange in a single straightforward process.

• Indicate the quantity of 50 Italian Lire coins you want to exchange
• Click the ‘Add to your account’ button
• Your online account now shows the exchange value

Turn forgotten Italian Lire coins into money: Webuyallcurrency.com lets you exchange foreign coins and notes — even withdrawn ones — as part of one clear transaction, no specialist knowledge required.