1000 ITL #652

Front

Palazzo del Governo (Government Palace) in Milan, a neoclassical building constructed in 1771–1778 as the Royal Ducal Palace during Austrian rule, later serving as the seat of Milanese provincial government. The building features characteristic colonnaded architecture and has been a symbol of civic administration in Milan for over two centuries. The front bears the inscription 'BANCA POPOLARE DI MILANO' overprint, with text indicating 'Biglietto Assegnato' (assigned note) and 'Provincia di Milano', reflecting a local banking institution's issue against this national currency note.

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Maria Montessori (1870–1952), Italian physician, educator, and innovator who developed the Montessori method of education emphasizing self-directed learning and hands-on activity for children. She was one of Italy's first female physicians and became internationally renowned for her revolutionary educational philosophy. Her pedagogical methods have been adopted worldwide and continue to influence early childhood education globally; she was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize three times for her contributions to education and child development.

History

This 1000 lire note belongs to the Maria Montessori series issued by the Banca d'Italia from 1990 to 1998, part of the final generation of Italian lira banknotes before the introduction of the euro. The series honored distinguished Italians who made significant contributions to culture, science, and the arts. This particular note features an overprint 'BANCA POPOLARE DI MILANO' with 'Biglietto Assegnato Provincia di Milano', indicating it was a special issue or assignment by the Banca Popolare di Milano, a regional cooperative bank. Such overprints were used for specific banking purposes or local circulation. The serial number NF 136416 U follows the standard Banca d'Italia format. The note was demonetized on February 28, 2002, when Italy fully transitioned to the euro, though lira notes could be exchanged at the Banca d'Italia for years afterward. The Montessori series is widely collected and represents the final era of Italian paper currency.