The Coinage of Vittorio Emanuele III
ITALY, Kingdom of Italy. Vittorio Emanuele III. 1900-1946. AR 5 Lire (37mm, 6h). Rome mint. Dated
1914 R. Uniformed bust right / Italia standing left in quadriga rearing left, holding olive branch and round shield. MIR 1136a; KM 55. In NGC encapsulation 6647354-012, graded MS 61. Very rare in mint state. A masterpiece of modern engraving, deriving the reverse type from the coinages of ancient Magna Graecia and Sicily.
The coinage of Vittorio Emanuele III reflects the tumultuous changes that Italy underwent in the 46 years of his reign. His earliest issues resemble those of his murdered father, Umberto I: simple, realistic portraiture and conservative eagles and wreaths so common in 19th century European numismatics. These are replaced with a series of classically-inspired designs, rich in symbolism and easily deserving of a place among the finest examples of 20th century numismatic art. The smaller denominations of this period are equally charming, depicting the natural bounty of the country. Finally, after the rise of Mussolini and the fascists, the coinage takes on a stark, totalitarian appearance. The king’s portrait depicts him bare headed and aged, harkening back to portraits of Julius Caesar, and is paired with those reverse types so prominent in the fascist era: sharp, angular eagles and the ancient fasces itself.
