1000 Lire ITL #667

Front

La Scala Theatre in Milan, one of the world's most famous opera houses. Opened in 1778, it has been the site of premieres of many operas by Verdi and other Italian composers; the theatre is depicted in fine engraved detail showing its neoclassical facade. The building was reconstructed after World War II bombing and remains the principal opera house of Milan, closely associated with Giuseppe Verdi whose portrait appears on the reverse.

Back

Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901), Italian Romantic composer of opera, widely regarded as one of the most influential composers of Italian opera in the 19th century. His works include Rigoletto, La traviata, Aida, and Nabucco. The stylized profile portrait shows the composer with characteristic wavy hair in classical allegorical style. Verdi's connection to La Scala Theatre (depicted on the front) was central to his career.

History

This note belongs to the Giuseppe Verdi series issued by the Banca d'Italia under the authority of the Italian Republic (Repubblica Italiana), dated 21 febbraio 1962 (February 21, 1962) based on the decree date visible on the front vertical inscription. The series was introduced in 1962 and circulated through the 1960s-1970s as Italy's high-denomination note during the lira period. The 1000 lire denomination was common currency for larger transactions in post-war Italy. The note was printed by the Officina della Banca d'Italia (the Bank of Italy's own printing works). Designer attribution visible: LAZZARINI INV. on front, E. VANGELLI on back. The note features three signatures from officials of the Treasury, the Special Cashier, and the Court of Accounts (Corte dei Conti), reflecting Italy's complex fiscal oversight structure. This series was demonetized when Italy adopted the Euro on January 1, 2002, with lira notes ceasing to be legal tender by February 28, 2002. Pick catalog reference P-96. Serial number H35 930981 visible.