1961-R Italy Silver 500 Lire Italian Unification Centennial BU

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In 1961, Italy marked a major national milestone with a special silver 500 Lire coin, struck at the Rome Mint. This issue commemorates the centennial of Italian unification, spanning the years 1861 to 1961. Crafted from 0.835 fine silver, each coin contains 0.2953 troy ounces of precious metal. The obverse presents a graceful personification of Italy. She is depicted sitting atop a classical column, holding an olive branch as a symbol of peace. This elegant figure represents the enduring spirit of the nation. On the reverse, a powerful quadriga, a chariot drawn by four horses abreast, charges toward the left. This dynamic scene sits directly above the denomination of 500 Lire and the dual dates commemorating the centennial. The letter R signifies its origin from the historic mint in Rome.