2 Lire - Victor Emmanuel II Bologna

Historical Context: This 2 Lire coin, minted in Bologna between 1859 and 1860, is a pivotal numismatic artifact from the Risorgimento, the movement for Italian unification. Issued under the authority of the United Provinces of Central Italy—a provisional government formed by Emilia, Romagna, Tuscany, Parma, and Modena—it boldly proclaimed Victor Emmanuel II as their sovereign. This issue pre-dates the formal establishment of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861, symbolizing the rapid annexation of former Papal States and other territories into the nascent Italian state following the Second Italian War of Independence. It represents a crucial step in consolidating power under the House of Savoy.

Artistry: The coin’s design adheres to the prevailing Neoclassical style of 19th-century European coinage, emphasizing regal authority and classical simplicity. The obverse features a finely rendered bare head portrait of Victor Emmanuel II, facing left, executed with a dignified realism. While the specific engraver for this issue is often not explicitly documented, the work reflects the skilled craftsmanship typical of the period’s Italian mints. The reverse typically displays the crowned Savoyard shield, flanked by laurel or oak branches, with the denomination and date, all framed by elegant inscriptions affirming the monarch's titles.