Italian 20 Lire Fascist Era 'Littore' Coin, 80% Silver
Coin/Bullion · Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato (Italian State Mint), Rome
Pattern: Littore (Lictor) Series, designed by Giuseppe Romagnoli
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato (Italian State Mint), Rome
Material
800/1000 Silver (80% Silver), 20% Copper base alloy; Total weight 15.0 grams
Dimensions
Diameter: 35.5 mm; Weight: 15.0g (Standard for this denomination)
Description
A silver 20 Lire coin featuring the iconic muscular kneeling figure known as the Lictor (Littore), which was a symbol used to represent the power and authority of ancient Rome, revived for Fascist propaganda. This specific example shows significant environmental wear and heavy tarnish/encrustation.
Key Features
Kneeling lictor figure on reverse; 80% silver fineness; larger 'Crown' size diameter; AN VI dating system
Material & Composition
800/1000 Silver (80% Silver), 20% Copper base alloy; Total weight 15.0 grams
Finish & Decoration
Die-struck relief with a matte, heavily oxidized surface; features a kneeling male nude (Lictor) on the reverse and Mussolini/Vittorio Emanuele III motifs on typical obverses of the era
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'L.20' (nominal value), Mint mark 'R' (Rome), and 'AN. VI' (Fascist Era year 6) indicating the 1928 issue
Construction Details
Machine-struck/Die-struck at the Rome Mint; consistent with industrial numismatic production standards of the early 20th century
Functional Features
Reeded edge (milled) intended to prevent 'clipping' or shaving of the silver; legal tender currency at the time of issue
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable (coin form)
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality die engraving showcasing early 20th-century Italian artistry; precise milling but currently obscured by oxidation
Authentication Indicators
Weight and diameter measurements for 20 Lire; strike quality visible in the figure's musculature despite damage; placement of the value L.20
Origin & Manufacturing
Rome, Italy; produced using high-pressure minting presses characteristic of the Royal Mint
Era & Period
Fascist Italy (1922–1943); specifically the late 1920s neoclassical revival
Age Estimate
Circa 1927–1928 based on 'AN. VI' marking and the Littore design introduction
Cultural Significance
A primary artifact of Italian political history, blending Roman Classicism with modern nationalism; it served as a tool for circulating political imagery and demonstrating economic stability during the 1920s
Condition Notes
Poor to Fair condition; heavy surface tarnish, pitting, and potential environmental damage (possibly ground-found); significant loss of detail in the high points of the strike
Value Estimate
$20 - $40 in current worn condition (silver melt value plus a slight historical premium); high-grade examples can exceed $200
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean with abrasives or silver dips as this will destroy any remaining numismatic value; store in a PVC-free coin flip or archival plastic capsule
Similar Pieces
1928 20 Lire 'Cappellone' (Mussolini portrait variant); 1936 20 Lire Empire series (Vittorio Emanuele III on horse)
Interesting Facts
The coin was minted to celebrate the revaluation of the Lira known as 'Quota 90'; the designer Giuseppe Romagnoli was the most prolific Italian medalist of the 20th century