The 1996 50 Lire coin from Italy marks the beginning of a short but symbolic series issued from 1996 to 2001, just before the adoption of the Euro. Minted in Rome and designed by Laura Cretara, this piece blends modern style with elements from classic Italian coinage.
On the obverse is a female head with a towered crown, a representation of Italy herself, facing left and draped in fabric. Below the neckline is a small star and the designer’s signature L. CRETARA.
The reverse design features a large numeral "50" at the center, with the year "1996" above and "LIRE" below. Surrounding this central motif is a ring of symbols taken from earlier Italian coins, such as:
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a bunch of grapes (from the 5 Lire coin, KM#89)
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a laurel branch (from the 100 Lire coin, KM#96)
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an oak branch (from the 20 Lire coin, KM#97)
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a cornucopia (from the 1 Lira coin, KM#91)
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a toothed wheel (from the 200 Lire coin, KM#105)
This visual homage links the coin to the broader iconographic history of the Italian Republic.
Specifications:
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Country: Italy 🇮🇹
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Year: 1996
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Face Value: 50 Lire (50 ITL)
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Mint: Rome (R)
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Material: Copper-nickel
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Weight: 4.5 g
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Diameter: 19.2 mm
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Thickness: 1.92 mm
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Edge: Plain
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Shape: Round
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Orientation: Coin alignment ↑↓
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Type: Standard circulation coin
This coin is ideal for collectors interested in transitional European coinage, symbolism in design, and modern Italian numismatics. As one of the final Lira coins before the Euro, it serves as a historical and aesthetic bridge between two monetary eras.
