The 1942 1 Lira coin from Italy, minted in Rome, was issued during the reign of King Victor Emmanuel III and reflects the militaristic and imperial imagery of the Fascist Era. This version is made of magnetic ferritic acmonital, giving it a dense weight and durable structure.
The obverse displays the right-facing portrait of Victor Emmanuel III, encircled by the inscription VITTORIO·EMANUELE·III·RE·E·IMP. Below the neck is the name of the engraver G. ROMAGNOLI, referencing renowned artist Giuseppe Romagnoli.
The reverse features a powerful eagle perched on a branch, wings spread and head turned right. Beneath the eagle is a fasces — a bundle of rods with an axe — symbolizing authority and Fascist ideology. At the bottom, the Savoy shield divides the denomination "L.1", mintmark "R", year "1942", and Fascist Era year "XX".
Design details:
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Obverse: Bust of Victor Emmanuel III, full royal title, engraver’s name below neck
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Reverse: Eagle and fasces, with value, mintmark, and dual date (Gregorian and Fascist)
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Designer: Giuseppe Romagnoli
Specifications:
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Country: Italy 🇮🇹
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Year: 1942
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Face Value: 1 Lira (1 ITL)
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Mint: Rome (R)
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Material: Acmonital (ferritic, magnetic)
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Weight: 7.9 g
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Diameter: 26.7 mm
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Thickness: 2.0 mm
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Edge: Reeded
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Shape: Round
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Orientation: Coin alignment ↑↓
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Type: Standard circulation coin
This coin is highly sought after by collectors of WWII-era currency, Fascist symbolism in numismatics, and those interested in the political messaging of pre-Republic Italy. The magnetic version, struck later in the series, is especially notable for its heft and altered composition.
