Catalogo
| Emittente | Italian Somaliland |
|---|---|
| Anno | 1910-1919 |
| Tipo | Standard circulation coin |
| Valore | 1/2 Rupia |
| Valuta | Rupia (1893-1925) |
| Composizione | Silver (.917) |
| Peso | 5.8319 g |
| Diametro | 24 mm |
| Spessore | |
| Forma | Round |
| Tecnica | Milled |
| Orientamento | |
| Incisore/i | Luigi Giorgi |
| In circolazione fino al | |
| Riferimento/i | KM#5 |
| Descrizione del dritto | Vittorio Emanuele III facing right |
|---|---|
| Scrittura del dritto | Latin |
| Legenda del dritto |
VITTORIO EMANVELE III RE D` ITALIA L. GIORGI (Translation: Vittorio Emanuele III King of Italy L. Giorgi) |
| Descrizione del rovescio | |
| Scrittura del rovescio | Arabic, Latin |
| Legenda del rovescio |
SOMALIA ITALIANA MEZZA RUPIA نصف روپیه R· 1919 (Translation: Italian Somalia Half Rupia Half Rupia R· 1919) |
| Bordo | |
| Zecca |
R Rome, Italy (476-date) |
| Tiratura |
1910 R - - 400 000 1912 R - - 100 000 1913 R - - 100 000 1915 R - - 50 000 1919 R - - 200 000 |
| ID Numisquare | 4935044420 |
| Informazioni aggiuntive |
Historical Context: This 1/2 Rupia coin, issued for Italian Somaliland between 1910 and 1919, encapsulates Italy's colonial ambitions under Victor Emmanuel III. His effigy underscored Italian sovereignty over its African territories. The Rupia system, mirroring British Indian currency, facilitated trade and economic control within the protectorate, reflecting Italy's strategic interests in the Horn of Africa during a period encompassing World War I.
Artistry: The coin's design reflects academic realism typical of early 20th-century European monarchical portraiture, likely from the Regia Zecca di Roma. The obverse features a dignified bare head portrait of Victor Emmanuel III facing left, characterized by clean lines and regal bearing. The reverse generally presents the denomination and date, encircled by "SOMALIA ITALIANA," rendered with clear, legible typography, consistent with standard minting practices.
Technical/Grading: Struck in .917 fine silver, weighing 5.8319 grams and 24 millimeters, this 1/2 Rupia adheres to typical colonial coinage specifications. For grading, key high-points for wear include the King's hair, ear, and cheekbone on the obverse. On the reverse, the raised elements of the denomination and "SOMALIA ITALIANA" are critical. Strike quality can vary, with some examples showing minor weakness in fine details, though overall strikes are generally consistent.