This 50 Centesimi coin from Italy, minted in 1942 during the reign of King Victor Emmanuel III, reflects a combination of classical Roman symbols and fascist-era iconography. Struck in Rome and made of ferritic acmonital, this version is magnetic, unlike the earlier austenitic non-magnetic issues.
The obverse features the right-facing bust of Victor Emmanuel III, with the inscription VITT·EMAN·III·RE·E·IMP, referring to his title as King and Emperor. The engraver's name, G. Romagnoli, is placed below the neck.
The reverse presents a powerful eagle holding a fasces with an axe in its claws, representing authority. The date "1942" and year XIX of the Fascist calendar are inscribed on the left side. Below the eagle, the Savoy shield separates the denomination and mintmark, emphasizing national unity and strength.
Design features:
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Obverse: Portrait of Victor Emmanuel III, title as King and Emperor, engraver’s name below
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Reverse: Eagle with fasces, date "1942", Fascist year "XIX", mintmark "R", denomination "C.50", Savoy shield in the exergue
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Obverse engraver: Giuseppe Romagnoli
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Reverse engraver: Pietro Giampaoli
Coin specifications:
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Country: Italy 🇮🇹
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Year: 1942
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Face Value: 50 Centesimi (0.50 ITL)
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Mint: Rome (R)
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Material: Ferritic Acmonital (magnetic)
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Weight: 6.0 g
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Diameter: 24.1 mm
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Thickness: 1.97 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 a striking representation of Italy’s political and artistic identity in the early 1940s. With its bold fascist symbolism and transition to magnetic steel, it holds both historical and material value for collectors interested in WWII-era Italy, 20th-century monarchies, and European propaganda coinage.
