This 50 Centesimi coin from Italy, dated 1939, is a powerful artifact of Italian numismatic history, issued during the reign of King Victor Emmanuel III. It was struck at the Rome Mint and features bold imagery rooted in the political and artistic atmosphere of the late 1930s.
On the obverse, the coin shows the portrait of Victor Emmanuel III, titled “King and Emperor,” reflecting his rule over both Italy and Ethiopia at the time. The reverse features a majestic eagle with raised wings, clutching a fasces with an axe, symbolizing state authority and power. This design is framed by the Savoy shield, and includes both the Gregorian date (1939) and the Fascist Era date (XVIII).
Key design features:
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Obverse: Bust of Victor Emmanuel III facing right, with the inscription VITT·EMAN·III·RE·E·IMP· and engraver’s name G. ROMAGNOLI below
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Reverse: Eagle with spread wings standing on a fasces, axe visible in its claws; shield of Savoy below; denomination and mintmark "C.50 R" flanking the shield; date "1939 – XVIII" above
Specifications:
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Country: Italy 🇮🇹
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Year: 1939
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Face Value: 50 Centesimi (0.50 ITL)
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Mint: Rome (R)
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Ruler: Victor Emmanuel III
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Material: Acmonital (austenitic stainless steel)
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Weight: 6.0 g
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Diameter: 24.1 mm
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Thickness: 1.9 mm
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Edge: Milled
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Shape: Round
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Orientation: Coin alignment ↑↓
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Type: Standard circulation coin
This coin stands out as a striking example of pre-WWII Italian coinage, combining technical precision with heavy historical symbolism. It appeals to collectors of European royal coinage, military motifs, and 20th-century history.
