5 Lira, Italy, 1870s

5 Lira silver coin of Italy, 1870s, with the image of Vittorio Emmanuel II on the obverse, and the coat of arms of the House of Savoy on the reverse - Cross on a shield, with a crown above and surrounded by olive and laurel leaves. The name of the engraver 'Ferraris' can be seen below the King's bust. These coins were issued from 1861-1878

Vittorio Emmanuel II was the first king of a United Italy. In early 1800s, Italy was divided into a number of Kingdoms - the Kingdom of Sardinia (ruled by the House of Savoy), the Kingdom of Two Sicilies (Southern Italy and Sicily), Papal States ruled by the Pope, and other polities. Major European powers including France and the Austrian Empire were against Italian unification, preferring a weak and divided Italy instead. The Italian peninsula was united into a single nation under the Kingdom of Sardinia, with Vittorio Emmanuel as the King in 1861. However, Rome and its surroundings still remained outside his control as they were protected by the French. After the French garrison withdrew in 1870 (due to the Franco-Prussian war) and Italian armies moved into Rome - which was then declared the capital. 

Size: 37 mm (approx)
Weight: 25 grams (approx)
Read more about this coin here 

Coins are part of a lot, the coin you get may not be the coin in the picture but will be a piece in similar condition. The coins are over 150 years old and are in used condition, with wear and tear. Price is for 1 coin. 

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