5000 ITL #651

Front

Vincenzo Bellini (1801-1835), Italian opera composer from Catania, Sicily, one of the most important figures of the bel canto opera tradition. His most celebrated works include Norma, I puritani, and La sonnambula. The front features an allegorical female figure representing Music or the Arts, holding a lyre, positioned within a sunburst medallion with the text 'IL SECOLO UNISCE FABBRICATORI E SPACCIATORI DI BIGLIETTI FALSI' (the century unites manufacturers and distributors of counterfeit notes) along the circular edge. The decree date 'DECRETO MINISTERIALE 4 GENNAIO 1985' appears at bottom right.

Back

Teatro Massimo Bellini in Catania, Sicily, the opera house dedicated to Vincenzo Bellini and inaugurated in 1890. The teatro is one of Italy's most prestigious opera venues. The back features a portrait of Bellini at right and the ornate architectural details of the theatre in the background, along with the coat of arms of the Italian Republic (a crowned lion above a shield) at left center. The inscription 'LIRE MILLE' appears at top, with 'PAGABILI A VISTA AL PORTATORE' (payable on sight to the bearer) below it.

History

This 5000 lire note belongs to the Bellini series issued by Banca d'Italia starting with Decreto Ministeriale of January 4, 1985, and circulated until Italy's adoption of the euro in 2002. The note was demonetized on February 28, 2002, when the lira ceased to be legal tender. This series featured prominent Italian cultural figures: Bellini (composer) on the 5000, Caravaggio on the 100,000, and Montessori on the 1000 lire. Carlo Azeglio Ciampi served as Governor of the Bank of Italy from 1979 to 1993, and later became Prime Minister and President of Italy. The note employs traditional intaglio printing with elaborate guilloche patterns and microtext security features typical of pre-euro Italian currency.