5000 lire 1960
About This Note
This is a VF-grade example of the Italian 5000 lire banknote from 1960 (Pick P-85c), featuring classical allegorical imagery on the obverse with two seated female figures and a male head profile in a red circular seal, while the reverse displays a refined oval portrait of a classical female head in profile. The note exhibits typical aging characteristics of a circulated 1960s banknote including moderate creasing, foxing discoloration, and yellowing of the paper, yet the intricate engraved details remain well-preserved and clearly visible throughout the design.
Common. The 5000 lire denomination from 1960 (Pick P-85c) was produced in substantial quantities for circulation during Italy's post-war economic expansion period. No evidence suggests limited production runs, recall status, or short-term issuing authority. The serial number prefix 'L 036' and the condition grade (VF, not exceptional) further indicate this was part of normal, widespread circulation. Standard mid-20th-century Italian banknotes of this type remain common in the numismatic market.
Issued by the Banca d'Italia under ministerial decrees from 1947 and 1960, this banknote reflects post-World War II Italy's restoration of classical artistic themes to convey stability and cultural continuity. The allegorical female figures and classical male head profile evoke ancient Roman and Renaissance artistic traditions, symbolizing Italy's connection to its classical heritage during the early Cold War period when the nation was rebuilding its economic and cultural identity.
The obverse features an ornate frame in brown and green tones with classical Greek key pattern borders and floral ornamental designs throughout the margins. Two large white circular areas flank the composition, likely security windows or denomination indicators. The central allegorical engraving depicts two seated female figures in classical dress representing virtues or aspects of commerce and prosperity, rendered in green tones with fine cross-hatching. Above them sits a prominent red circular medallion containing a classical male head profile, possibly representing Mercurio (Mercury) or another classical deity associated with commerce. The reverse presents an elegant oval portrait frame containing a classical female head in profile facing right, executed with fine engraving lines and cross-hatching to create modeling and depth. This portrait is surrounded by concentric circular ornamental borders in brown and red, with smaller circular medallions marked '5000' positioned in each corner. The overall design aesthetic emphasizes classical Renaissance revival motifs consistent with mid-20th-century Italian banking authority imagery.
FRONT SIDE: 'BANCA D'ITALIA' (Bank of Italy) - issuing authority; 'LIRE CINQUEMILA' (Five Thousand Lire) - denomination in words; 'PAGABILE A VISTA AL PORTATORE' (Payable on demand to bearer) - payment clause; 'IL GOVERNATORE' (The Governor) and 'IL CASSIERE' (The Cashier) - signature lines; 'L 036 7242' - serial number; 'DECR. MIN-14 AGOSTO 1947' (Ministry Decree - 14 August 1947) and 'MIN-12 MAGGIO 1960 E 23 OTTOBRE 1947' (Ministry - 12 May 1960 and 23 October 1947) - legislative authorization dates; 'G. CARRAGHER INC.' - printer attribution; 'FFICINA DELLA BANCA D'ITALIA' (Bank of Italy Printing Works) - production facility. BACK SIDE: 'BANCA D'ITALIA' (Bank of Italy); '5000' - denomination markers in four corners; 'FB' - central seal/monogram (Bank of Italy); 'ART.2 DELLA LEGGE MAGGIO' (Article 2 of the Law - May) - legislative reference.
Intaglio engraving (copperplate/steel plate engraving) executed by G. Carragher Inc., a specialized security printer. The fine line work, cross-hatching, intricate border patterns, and detailed portraiture characteristic of this note are definitive indicators of intaglio printing technology, which was the standard security printing method for high-denomination banknotes of this era. The precision of the ornamental elements and the quality of detail preservation visible even in the circulated specimen demonstrate the superior durability and anti-counterfeiting properties of intaglio printing.
Serial number observed: L 036 7242. The note carries dual legislative authorization dates (14 August 1947 and 12 May 1960), which is consistent with the 1960 issue variant (P-85c). Printer attribution to G. Carragher Inc. and production at the Banca d'Italia's own printing works (FFICINA DELLA BANCA D'ITALIA) is documented on the note. Known varieties for the 5000 lire series primarily involve signature variations of the Governor and Cashier positions, which would require closer examination of the signature blocks to determine precisely; however, the basic design and security features remain consistent across the 1960 issue.
