10 lire 1918

Common. The eBay price history demonstrates consistent market availability with multiple sales between 2012-2024 ranging from $3.36 to $39 for VF specimens (excluding the outlier PMG 65 certified example at $261). The 2008 catalog value of $5 for VF specimens and the sustained availability of ungraded examples at modest prices ($19-39) indicates this note circulated in meaningful quantities. The Cassa Veneta dei Prestiti operated as a legitimate regional institution, and these notes were not subject to early recall or destruction, supporting common status.

The Cassa Veneta dei Prestiti (Venetian Loan Bank) issued these notes during Italy's involvement in World War I as military payment notes to facilitate transactions in the Veneto region. The classical allegorical female portrait and lyre symbolism reflect Italy's connection to Roman and Renaissance heritage, themes emphasized during the Fascist period's promotion of national identity. Dated 2 January 1918, this note represents the final year of the Great War, issued approximately 10 months before the Armistice.

The front features an oval-framed profile portrait of Venetia (the allegorical personification of Venice) facing right, a common motif on notes from the Veneto region. The design employs classical ornamental borders in dark blue and tan with repeating geometric and floral scrollwork characteristic of Belle Époque and early 20th-century European banknote design. A lyre or caduceus symbol adorns the center top, reinforcing classical and commercial themes. The reverse displays a repeating sunflower or rosette rosette pattern across the entire field, providing a security feature through its complex repetitive engraving. All typography is in period-appropriate serif fonts, with denomination numerals prominently placed for easy identification.

FRONT: 'BUONO DI CASSA' (Cash Voucher) / 'DA DIECI LIRE' (Of Ten Lire) / 'CASSA VENETA DEI PRESTITI' (Venetian Loan Bank) / '2 GENNAIO 1918' (2 January 1918) / 'DIECI LIRE' (Ten Lire) / 'I BUONI DI CASSA DEVONO VENIR ACCETTATI DA CHIUNQUE PER L'INTERO LORO VALORE NOMINALE' (Cash vouchers must be accepted by anyone for their entire nominal value) / 'SERIE D 20' (Series D 20) / 'N° 03232' (Number 03232). BACK: '10' / 'DIECI LIRE' (Ten Lire) / 'SARANNO PUNITI I FABBRICATORI DI BUONI DI CASSA FALSI, CHI LI USA E CHI AVENDO DOLI RICEVUTI PER VERI, LI RIMETTE IN CIRCOLAZIONE DOPO CONOSCIUTANE LA FALSITÀ' (The manufacturers of counterfeit cash vouchers, those who use them, and those who having received them as genuine, put them back into circulation after knowing of their falsity, will be punished) / 'CASSA VENETA DEI PRESTITI' (Venetian Loan Bank).

Intaglio engraving (line engraving), the standard security printing method for Italian banknotes of this era. The intricate border patterns, fine-line portrait work, and detailed floral motifs visible throughout both sides demonstrate high-quality steel plate engraving. This technique was executed by the Italian government's official banknote printing authority or contracted security printer, creating the fine detail work and anti-counterfeiting complexity evident in the visual analysis.

Series D, Number 03232. The SERIE D designation visible on the front represents the series variety. Serial number prefixes and series letters may vary across the emission; collectors should note that different series letters (A, B, C, D, etc.) represent distinct print run segments. The date 2 GENNAIO 1918 is fixed for this issue. No major varieties (signatures, overprints, or color variations) are indicated in the visual analysis or standard catalogs for this Pick number.