1 lira 1848
About This Note
This is a 1 lira patriotic currency note issued by the Banca Nazionale di Venezia in 1848, presented in Fair condition. The front features an ornate Rococo-style border with elaborate scrollwork and floral motifs in black ink on cream paper, centered with denomination and patriotic inscription. The back displays a distinctive red/orange heraldic seal impression with a lion figure—a notable security feature for the period—though the note shows expected aging including foxing, discoloration, and a vertical center fold consistent with 19th-century circulation.
Uncommon. While 1848 revolutionary currency from Venice is historically significant, the Banca Nazionale di Venezia operated for only a brief period during the 1848-1849 uprisings before Austrian reoccupation. However, notes from this issuer do appear in collections and auctions with moderate regularity. The Fair condition grade (with visible aging, foxing, and creasing) is typical for surviving specimens and does not command premium pricing, suggesting this is not an exceptionally scarce variety. Supply is limited by the short issuance period but sufficient to classify as 'uncommon' rather than 'rare.'
This note represents the tumultuous 1848 revolutionary period in Italian history, when Venice briefly declared independence and the Banca Nazionale di Venezia issued patriotic currency ('Moneta Patriottica') to support the Venetian Republic. The heraldic lion seal on the reverse reflects Venetian state symbolism and sovereignty, while the explicit patriotic designation underscores the nationalist fervor of the Risorgimento era. The note's existence marks a short-lived monetary system that ceased when Austrian forces reasserted control over Venice later in 1848-1849.
The front presents a symmetrical design characteristic of mid-19th century Italian banknotes, with elaborate Rococo-style ornamental borders composed of intricate scrollwork, foliate elements, and flourishes in all four corners. The denomination is prominently displayed in the center with 'LIRE UNA CORRENTE' and the patriotic designation 'MONETA PATRIOTTICA,' emphasizing the note's civic and nationalist purpose. The reverse features a large circular heraldic seal—the Lion of Saint Mark (symbol of Venice and the Serenissima Republic)—impressed in red/orange ink, serving as both a security and authenticity feature. The seal's raised impression into the paper stock demonstrates period printing technology limitations and adds tactile security.
FRONT SIDE: 'MONETA PATRIOTTICA' (Patriotic Currency) | '1' and 'LIRE UNA CORRENTE' (One Current Lira) | '1848' (year of issue). BACK SIDE: Circular state seal impression with heraldic lion and text arranged in circular band pattern around perimeter (specific text partially legible in visual analysis but represents the official state seal and issuing authority designation).
Typographic printing (letterpress) for the front ornamental border and text elements, combined with embossed or impressed sealing technique for the reverse heraldic seal. The distinct red/orange seal impression suggests either a separate seal-press operation or specialized embossing. This hybrid technique was common for official state currency in the 1840s, balancing decorative sophistication with practical security measures available to regional banks of the period.
This Pick S185 specimen represents the standard 1 lira patriotic emission of 1848. No specific varieties (such as signature variations, overprints, or serial number prefixes) are documented in the visual analysis. The note appears to be from the primary issuance without subsequent modifications or denomination markings. Collectors should note that 1848 Venetian currency exists in multiple denominations and some variations in seal impressions or border executions may exist, but this requires examination of multiple specimens for confirmation.
