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You can hold history in your hand with the 1961 Italy 500 lire. Italy used the lire as a part of its currency from 1861 until 2002, when it was effectively replaced by the Euro and ceased to be legal tender. The name lire comes from the Latin word “libra,” which refers to the value of a pound of high purity silver. The 500 lire contains 83.5 percent silver, remaining true to its name. Coin collectors can love to own this piece of history. The 1961 Italian 500 lire was minted in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Italian Unification, the political and social movement that united the different states of the Italian peninsula into a single state known as the Kingdom of Italy. Upon completion of the process of the Italian Unification, Rome became the kingdom’s capital. The 1961 Italian 500 lire coins are 29.3mm in diameter, with a 2mm thickness. On the obverse side of the coin, Italy is personified as a woman seated on a capital. Her right arm is raised and holds an olive branch. Her left arm holds a helm on her left side. Surrounding the top of the coin is the lettering “Repvbblica Italiana,” which translates to the Italian Republic, or repubblica. The engraver’s name, Guido Veroi, is minted in the exergue. On the reverse of the coin is a chariot pulled by four horses, a quadriga running left, with the dates of the centennial above and below the horses. Below the 100 year anniversary date, 1961, is the value of the coin, L.500, and the mint mark, R, for Roma (or Rome). The coin features a smooth edge that is inscribed with text that translates to “First Centenary of the Unity of Italy.” Italy minted about 27 million 500 lire coins in Roma for the Italian Unification centennial celebration. These rare silver coins can be an excellent addition to any coin collector’s collection due to their rarity and specific ties to historical events. The coins are lightweight, weighing only 11 grams. Average wear and tear from everyday circulation should be expected with your silver 500 lire purchase. The Italian 500 lire can be more than just a piece of commemorative currency—it can be a piece of history that is a reminder of a different Italy. When the commemorative 1961 500 lire was minted, the country had its own currency and was celebrating 100 years of being a united kingdom.