10 Lire ITL #659

Front

Victor Emmanuel III (1869–1947), King of Italy from 1900 to 1946, who ruled during both World Wars and aligned Italy with fascism under Mussolini. His portrait appears on the back of this note. The front features industrial imagery including power transmission towers, electrical generators, and a ship, symbolizing Italy's industrial modernization under the fascist regime. The inscription 'DECRETO MINISTERIALE 3 OTTOBRE 1940' indicates this design was authorized by ministerial decree of October 3, 1940. Text at bottom references 'LA LEGGE PUNISCE I FABBRICATORI E GLI SPACCIATORI DI BIGLIETTI FALSI' (the law punishes makers and distributors of counterfeit notes).

Back

The reverse features the profile portrait of Victor Emmanuel III facing right, with the text 'REGNO D'ITALIA BIGLIETTO DI STATO A CORSO LEGALE' (Kingdom of Italy State Note with Legal Tender) and denomination 'DIECI LIRE' (Ten Lire). The design includes checkered ornamental patterns and the Savoy coat of arms. The text confirms this is a state note (Biglietto di Stato) issued directly by the Kingdom rather than by the central bank.

History

This 10 Lire note belongs to the Biglietto di Stato series issued by the Kingdom of Italy during World War II. The 'DECRETO MINISTERIALE 3 OTTOBRE 1940' visible on the front indicates this particular design variant was authorized in October 1940, during Italy's participation in WWII as part of the Axis powers. State notes (Biglietti di Stato) were issued directly by the government alongside central bank notes (Biglietti della Banca d'Italia). These notes circulated during the fascist period under Mussolini and were eventually replaced by Allied Military Currency after Italy's surrender in 1943. The industrial imagery reflects the regime's emphasis on modernization and autarky. Printed by the Officina della Banca d'Italia (Printing Office of the Bank of Italy). This specific variant (P-25c) is distinguished by the October 1940 decree date.