Product Description:
MetalStacks is proud to present this authentic Italy 5,000 Lire banknote from the celebrated "Antonello da Messina" series — one of the most artistically distinguished issues in Italian monetary history, honoring one of the great masters of the Italian Renaissance.
(PSV 10)
Highlights:
- Features a reproduction of the iconic Portrait of a Man by Sicilian Renaissance painter Antonello da Messina (c. 1475–76), now housed at the National Gallery in London
- Reverse showcases Venetian and Italian Renaissance architectural masterpieces engraved by Alberto Canfarini
- Issued 1979–1983, withdrawn from circulation 1984 — a true pre-Euro collectible of Italian cultural heritage
- One-of-one note with unique serial number UA 449346 F, presented in a premium display frame
Note Specifications:
- Denomination: 5,000 Italian Lire (Lire Cinquemila)
- Issuer: Banca d'Italia (Bank of Italy)
- Series: "Antonello da Messina" — 1980 Issue
- Ministerial Decree Dates: 2 Marzo 1979 e 1 Luglio 1980
- Serial Number: UA 449346 F
- Dimensions: 126 mm × 61 mm
- Colors: Orange, green, brown, and red on multicolor underprint
- Printer: Officina della Banca d'Italia
Design Details:
Obverse: Dominated by the engraved portrait of a Renaissance nobleman drawn from Antonello da Messina's celebrated Portrait of a Man (c. 1475–76) — a work renowned for its Flemish-influenced realism and extraordinary psychological depth. The subject wears a period leather blouse and distinctive red cloth cap. To the center appears the seal of the four Italian Maritime Republics — Amalfi, Genoa, Pisa, and Venice. A watermark reproducing the same portrait appears in the blank field at right. Signatures of Il Governatore and Il Cassiere printed in dark brown. Engraved by T. Cionini; artwork by Gio. Pino.
Reverse: Features a richly engraved architectural composition by Alberto Canfarini presenting an equestrian statue of Duke Emanuele Filiberto, the Gothic arched facade of the Ca' d'Oro palace in Venice, an ornate rose window, and a bronze sculptural fountain grouping — all symbols of Italy's extraordinary artistic and civic heritage. Serial number UA 449346 F appears twice flanking the central design.
Historical Significance: Antonello da Messina (c. 1430–1479) stands as the supreme master of Sicilian Renaissance painting, celebrated for bridging the Flemish tradition of meticulous detail and luminosity with the Italian monumental tradition. His portraits — among the finest of the 15th century — were recognized by the Banca d'Italia as worthy of gracing one of the Republic's most widely circulated banknotes. Issued across four series between 1979 and 1983, this note circulated during the final decades of the Italian Lira before Italy joined the Euro in 2002. The 1 Luglio 1980 decree date places this note in the second of four emission series.
Presentation: This one-of-one note, bearing the unique serial number UA 449346 F, is presented in a protective rigid currency holder mounted in a wood display frame with black matted backdrop — ready to display or gift.
A distinguished addition to any European, world currency, Renaissance art, or pre-Euro collection — and a beautifully preserved window into Italy's rich cultural and monetary legacy.
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