Austrian Lombardy-Veneto Lira obverseObverse

Image: Wikimedia Commons · Facquis · CC BY-SA 4.0

Austrian Lombardy-Veneto Lira

Italy

1816–1866

Reference data compiled from public catalogs

Estimated Melt Value

$14.88

Based on Silver spot price ($79.72/oz) · 90.0% purity · 6.45g

Updated 8:52 AM

Collector premium not included

Specifications

CountryItaly
Years Minted1816–1866
Composition0.900 silver
Weight6.45 g
Diameter24 mm
ShapeRound
EdgeReeded

Design

Obverse

The obverse features the bust of the Austrian emperor.

Reverse

The reverse depicts the denomination and date within a wreath.

History & Notable Facts

The Austrian Lombardy-Veneto lira bore the Habsburg double-headed eagle on its obverse, a stark imperial emblem imposed on a region that spoke Italian, not German.

This silver coin, minted from 1816 to 1866 in Milan and Venice, typically weighed around 12 grams with a fineness of .900, adapting the French-inspired lira system to Austrian standards. Rulers like Franz Joseph appeared on later issues, their portraits a reminder of occupation's grip. Edge inscriptions varied, sometimes including dates or mottos in Latin, which added a layer of formality to everyday commerce.

We don't know exact mintage numbers for most years; archives suffered from the era's upheavals. As for myths about hidden treasures, I've handled enough to say they're mostly nonsense—coins like this were currency, not relics.

Some collectors quip that these lira switched allegiances faster than the borders did.

Buy on eBay

Loading listings...

AI Analysis & Price Prediction

Investment Rating: --------
12-Month Price Prediction: $--- - $---

The Austrian Lombardy-Veneto Lira has shown consistent appreciation over the past decade. Based on historical auction data, population reports, and current market sentiment, our AI model projects...

Get AI-powered analysis for this coin

Unlock with Pro — $9.99/mo