1000 ITL #646

Front

The Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale) in Venice, the Gothic palace that served as the residence of the Doge of Venice and seat of Venetian government from the 9th century until the fall of the Republic in 1797. The architectural rendering shows the characteristic arcade and loggia of this iconic Venetian landmark, which is one of the most recognizable symbols of Venice's political and cultural history. The decree warning counterfeiters is printed at top: 'LA LEGGE PUNISCE I FABBRICATORI E GLI SPACCIATORI DI BIGLIETTI FALSI' (The law punishes the manufacturers and distributors of counterfeit notes).

Back

Maria Montessori (1870–1952), Italian physician and educator who developed the Montessori method of education, a child-centered educational approach based on scientific observations of children. She was Italy's first female physician and became internationally renowned for her revolutionary educational philosophy. The note depicts her portrait alongside decorative geometric patterns and educational motifs, including a small medallion showing a lion (symbol of Venice) above the Italian coat of arms with the cross of Savoy.

History

This 1000 lire note belongs to the Maria Montessori series issued by the Banca d'Italia, which was decreed on 6 January 1982 (DECRETO MINISTERIALE 6 GENNAIO 1982, visible on front) and circulated from 1990 until Italy's adoption of the euro in 2002. The series honored Maria Montessori, celebrating her contributions to education and her status as a pioneering Italian woman in medicine and pedagogy. This denomination was one of the most common Italian notes in circulation during the 1990s. The front features the Doge's Palace, connecting Venetian heritage with the note's theme of Italian cultural achievement. The signatures are those of Antonio Fazio (Governor of Banca d'Italia 1993–2005) and the cashier. The note was withdrawn from circulation on 28 February 2002 when the Italian lira was replaced by the euro, though exchange at the Banca d'Italia remained possible until 2012. Serial number format with prefix BE and suffix Q is consistent with standard Banca d'Italia practice of the period.