5 franchi

Rare. This is an unlisted Pick catalog item from an ephemeral issuing authority (Pel Comitato Nazionale) during the politically unstable Risorgimento period. The status as an unlisted Pick item combined with its classification as a loan receipt rather than standard currency, limited circulation during a brief political window, and the specific series notation (Z.62160) indicates a restricted original distribution. As a nationalist committee financing instrument rather than government-backed currency, surviving examples in AU condition are scarce, making this a notable acquisition for Italian revolutionary history specialists.

This banknote was issued during the Italian Risorgimento (unification movement), specifically for the Governo Nazionale Italiano (Italian National Government) as a loan instrument directed toward achieving Italian independence and liberty. The iconography—including the fasces, eagle, ship's wheel, and explicit references to 'Repubblica Romana' (Roman Republic), 'Dio e Popolo' (God and People), and 'Italia e Roma'—reflects the nationalist and republican ideals of mid-19th century Italian patriots, most notably Giuseppe Mazzini whose name appears signed on the document. This class 1b receipt served as a financial instrument to support the revolutionary cause of Italian unification.

The front features a symmetrical design centered on patriotic and military symbolism. On the left side is a circular seal containing an eagle emblem with wreath, representing state authority and Italian national identity. The right side displays a circular seal with a ship's wheel, symbolizing maritime power and governance. Both sides feature bundles of fasces (fasci)—classical Roman symbols of authority consisting of bound rods and axes—evoking Rome's republican past and legitimizing the nationalist cause. A pyramid of cannonballs on the right signifies military readiness. Central decorative elements include a trumpet with banner inscribed 'Dio e Popolo' and a sword with scabbard labeled 'Italia e Roma,' reinforcing the military and patriotic purpose. The design employs elaborate borders, flourishes, and fine line engraving throughout, with the main text area containing the loan receipt information and space for official handwritten signatures. The overall aesthetic combines classical Italian design with contemporary revolutionary symbolism.

FRONT SIDE: 'REPUBBLICA ROMANA' (Roman Republic) | 'Dio e Popolo' (God and People) | 'Italio e Roma' (Italy and Rome) | 'GOVERNO NAZIONALE ITALIANO' (Italian National Government) | 'Prestito' (Loan/Bond) | 'NAZIONALE ITALIANO' (National Italian) | 'Diretto unicamente ad affrettare l'indipendenza e la libertà d'Italia' (Directed solely to hasten the independence and liberty of Italy) | 'SERIE Z.62160' (Series Z.62160) | 'Franchi 5' (5 Francs) | 'CLASSE 1ᵇ' (Class 1b) | 'Ricevuta di cinque Franchi' (Receipt for five Francs) | 'PEL COMITATO NAZIONALE' (For the National Committee) | Signatures: 'Giug. Mazzini' (Judge Mazzini), 'Aurelio Sapp', 'Mattea Montolz'. BACK SIDE: 'categirini Seg' (Secretary Categirini, abbreviated).

The note was produced using intaglio engraving (line engraving), as evidenced by the detailed fine line work, intricate borders, complex decorative flourishes, and the crisp, precise reproduction of elaborate military and patriotic iconography visible throughout. The deep blacks and fine details characteristic of intaglio printing are evident in the security features including the detailed circular seals, fasces depictions, and ornamental elements. The handwritten signatures and annotations appear to have been added post-printing in period ink.

Series Z.62160, Class 1b variety. The note is specifically identified by its series designation and class marking. The presence of three authenticated handwritten signatures—Giug. Mazzini (Judge Mazzini), Aurelio Sapp, and Mattea Montolz—represents the official authorization signatories for this particular issue. The circular stamp impression on the reverse suggests additional authentication or later verification. No other known varieties of this specific unlisted Pick number have been documented in standard catalogs.