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2 Lire
| Issuer | Governo Provvisorio di Venezia |
|---|---|
| Year | 1848 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | 2 Lire |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | The obverse is printed in black on plain paper and carries two seated allegorical figures flanking a central denomination numeral: at left, a male figure resting against an anchor and holding a staff, and at right, a female figure holding scales of justice, both rendered in a classical engraved style with decorative scrollwork at the base. The large numeral '2' occupies the centre within a circular guilloche border surmounted by a small lion's head vignette. The title inscription 'MONETA PATRIOTTICA' arches across the top, with 'Lire Due' and 'Correnti' flanking the central motif, and the date '1848' appearing at the bottom within a foliate cartouche. |
|---|---|
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| Reverse lettering | CONTROLERIA 1848 |
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| Comments |
The Governo Provvisorio di Venezia issued these notes during the 1848–49 revolt against Austrian rule, when the restored Republic of San Marco under Daniele Manin found itself financially isolated and in desperate need of a functioning circulating medium. With no access to the Austrian imperial banking apparatus and the city effectively under siege for the final months, the provisional government issued paper obligations across several denominations to pay its own bills and keep commerce moving.
The official stamp served as the primary authentication device — a thin security layer by any standard, but adequate given the small geographic area in which these notes were expected to circulate. Venice fell to Austrian forces in August 1849 after a prolonged blockade and outbreak of cholera, at which point the notes became worthless overnight.