Type details
| Country | Italy |
| Currency | ITL |
| Denomination | 500 Lire |
| Series | Mercury series |
| Series range | 1966–1979 |
| Issuer | Banca d'Italia |
| Issuer (native) | Banca d'Italia |
| Signatures | Il Direttore Generale: [signature]; Il Cassiere Speciale: [signature]; Il Vice Capo Servizio per la Corte dei Conti: [signature] |
| Printer | Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato |
| Engraver | E. Vangelli |
| Front portrait | Mercury |
| Reverse subject | Head of Mercury |
| Themes | mythology,science |
| Watermark | Head of Mercury in profile |
| Security features | intaglio,microprint |
| Colour palette | #d4c5a0,#7fa895,#3d5a4a |
| Material | paper |
| Dimensions (mm) | 157x73 |
| Language / script | Latin |
| Languages | it |
| Pick # | P-93 |
| Rarity | common |
| Legal status | demonetized |
| Legal status date | 2002-02-28 |
| Successor currency | Euro |
| Era | 1946_1989 |
| Default value (low) | 2.0 |
| Default value (high) | 5.0 |
| Value currency | USD |
Front
Allegorical representation of Galileo Galilei's astronomical and scientific work, featuring his celestial maps and diagrams of the heavens. The left panel displays a double-hemisphere celestial chart showing the zodiac constellations and planetary systems, representing Galileo's revolutionary contributions to astronomy including his telescopic observations that confirmed heliocentric theory. The right side features a Renaissance-era Venetian architectural scene with cypresses and scientific instruments, symbolizing Italy's leadership in Renaissance science and the Age of Discovery. This design type honors Italian scientific achievement during the height of the Scientific Revolution in the 16th-17th centuries.
Back
Head of Mercury (Roman god Mercurius), messenger of the gods and patron of commerce, travelers, and communication, shown in classical profile facing left. Mercury was chosen as the symbol for this banknote series to represent the movement of money and trade in the modern Italian economy. The head is rendered in Renaissance sculptural style, linking ancient Roman heritage with Italy's artistic tradition. The denomination 500 appears prominently at center, with 'CINQUECENTO' (five hundred) and 'REPUBBLICA ITALIANA' indicating the issuing republic. Designer E. Vangelli's signature appears at lower right.
History
This 500 Lire note belongs to the Mercury series issued by the Banca d'Italia from 1966 to 1979, replacing earlier designs. The decree dates printed on the front read 'DECR. MIN. 24 OTTOBRE 1963 e 19 SETTEMBRE 1977', indicating the ministerial decrees authorizing the note. This design celebrated Italian scientific and cultural heritage during the post-war economic boom (miracolo economico). The Italian Lira was replaced by the Euro on 1 January 2002, with a transition period ending 28 February 2002 when Lire notes ceased to be legal tender. The 500 Lire denomination was a mid-value note in circulation during this period, widely used for everyday transactions. Serial number U14 603997 visible on the reverse.
Linked specimens (1)
Merge into another type
Repoints every linked specimen above to the chosen target type, fills any target nulls from this type, then deletes this type. This cannot be undone.