Italy’s 500 lire bimetallic — a bronzital center in an acmonital (stainless steel) ring — was the coin that proved two-metal coinage could circulate, paving the way for the bimetallic €1 and €2. Struck 1982–2001 with Laura Cretara’s winged-head/Quirinale design, it comes in collectible obverse varieties and commemorative issues. This entry covers the specs, the varieties, and the commemoratives.
Key facts
- Specifications: 6.8g, 25.8mm, bimetallic — bronzital center, acmonital (stainless steel) outer ring; circulation issues 1982–2001 (proof strikings for collectors from 1985).
- Obverse: winged female head personifying the Italian Republic, REPVBBLICA ITALIANA, by Laura Cretara; reverse: Piazza del Quirinale, with the value also rendered in Braille — the only Italian coin to use Braille.
- Collectible varieties: “large head,” “medium head,” and “small head” obverse sizes, plus small/large signature variants of Cretara’s signature.
- Commemorative 500 lire bimetallics include the Bank of Italy centennial (1993), Luca Pacioli (1994), ISTAT 70th (1996), State Police 50th (1997), IFAD (1998), and European Parliament elections 20th (1999).
- An earlier 500 lire series in silver (1958–1967, “Caravelle” and other types) preceded the bimetallic coin.