Catalogue
| Émetteur | Italian Somaliland |
|---|---|
| Année | 1925 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Valeur | 10 Lira |
| Devise | Lira (1925-1938) |
| Composition | Silver (.835) |
| Poids | 12 g |
| Diamètre | 28 mm |
| Épaisseur | |
| Forme | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | |
| Graveur(s) | Attilio Silvio Motti |
| En circulation jusqu’à | |
| Référence(s) | KM#8 |
| Description de l’avers | Bust of the king with crown and royal robe facing right. The engraver’s signature is along the bottom of the bust, with the mintmark below it. |
|---|---|
| Écriture de l’avers | Latin |
| Légende de l’avers |
VITTORIO EMANVELE III RE D`ITALIA A·MOTTI R (Translation: Vittorio Emanuele III King of Italy A·Motti R) |
| Description du revers | The crowned coat of arms of Italian Somaliland (a leopard above with two six-pointed stars below) divides value and legend. The date is below the coat of arms. |
| Écriture du revers | Latin |
| Légende du revers |
SOMALIA ITALIANA L. 10 1925 (Translation: Italian Somalia L. 10 1925) |
| Tranche | Reeded |
| Atelier |
R Rome, Italy (476-date) |
| Tirage |
1925 R - - 100 000 |
| ID Numisquare | 5268207890 |
| Informations supplémentaires |
Historical Context: Issued in 1925 for Italian Somaliland, this 10 Lire coin embodies Italy's colonial ambitions under King Victor Emmanuel III. His reign (1900-1946) saw significant expansion of Italian influence in the Horn of Africa. This coinage served to consolidate economic control, facilitate commerce within the colony, and symbolically assert metropolitan authority, integrating Somaliland's economy more closely with the Italian lira system during a period of burgeoning Fascist power in Italy itself.
Artistry: The design, characteristic of Italian medallic art of the era, likely features a dignified effigy of King Victor Emmanuel III on the obverse. While the specific engraver is not provided, Italian mints, particularly Rome, employed master artists like Giuseppe Romagnoli, known for their neoclassical yet often realistic portraiture. The stylistic school favored a blend of academic realism and subtle Art Deco influences, creating designs that were both regal and technically refined, reflecting the high standards of Italian numismatic production.
Technical/Grading: Struck in .835 fine silver, weighing 12 grams and measuring 28 millimeters, this coin typically exhibits a strong strike. Key high-points for wear observation on the obverse usually include the king's hair, ear, and the highest points of his uniform or crown. On the reverse, details within the denomination or any central device would show wear first. Collectors should seek examples with full luster and minimal contact marks, as the relatively soft silver alloy can be susceptible to bag marks, impacting overall eye appeal.