Catalogo
| Emittente | Italian Somaliland |
|---|---|
| Anno | 1910-1921 |
| Tipo | Standard circulation coin |
| Valore | 1 Rupia |
| Valuta | Rupia (1893-1925) |
| Composizione | Silver (.917) |
| Peso | 11.6638 g |
| Diametro | 31 mm |
| Spessore | |
| Forma | Round |
| Tecnica | Milled |
| Orientamento | |
| Incisore/i | Luigi Giorgi |
| In circolazione fino al | |
| Riferimento/i | KM#6 |
| Descrizione del dritto | Vittorio Emanuele III |
|---|---|
| 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 UNA RUPIA ١ روپيه R· 1919 (Translation: Italian Somalia One Rupia 1 Rupia R· 1919) |
| Bordo | Reeded |
| Zecca |
R Rome, Italy (476-date) |
| Tiratura |
1910 R - - 300 000 1912 R - - 600 000 1913 R - - 300 000 1914 R - - 300 000 1915 R - - 250 000 1919 R - - 400 000 1920 R - - 1 300 000 1921 R - - 943 000 |
| ID Numisquare | 3188524770 |
| Informazioni aggiuntive |
Historical Context: The 1 Rupia coin, issued for Italian Somaliland (1910-1921), signifies Italian colonial ambition under King Victor Emmanuel III. This era saw the consolidation of Italian East African control. The King, a keen numismatist, utilized colonial coinage for economic administration and asserting Italian sovereignty. The Rupia denomination reflected regional monetary traditions, notably the British Indian Rupee's influence, adapted for Italian colonial use.
Artistry: The design, characteristic of the early 20th-century Roman Mint, was likely by engraver Giuseppe Giorgi. The obverse features a laureate bust of King Victor Emmanuel III, blending Neo-classical realism with Art Nouveau influences, emphasizing monarchical authority. The reverse displays the crowned Savoyard eagle, clutching a fasces, with a Savoy cross shield, encircled by denomination and date. This iconography communicates Italy's royal lineage and imperial dominion.
Technical/Grading: Struck in .917 fine silver (11.6638 grams, 31 mm), the 1 Rupia is a substantial coin. For grading, key high-points on the obverse include the King's hair, laurel wreath, and cheekbone. On the reverse, critical areas are the crown, eagle's breast feathers, and wing tips. A fully struck example exhibits sharp definition in these areas, often with strong cartwheel luster in higher grades. Bag marks are common due to its size and the silver alloy's softness.