VITTORIO EMANUELE III – 5 Lire 1914 R – “Quadriga Briosa”

Kingdom of Italy, Silver (.900), 25 g, 37 mm
Mint: Rome

Obverse:
Uniformed bust of King Vittorio Emanuele III facing right, finely detailed hair and collar, legend VITTORIO EMANVELE III RE D’ITALIA encircling. The portrait—engraved by Domenico Calandra—exhibits remarkable realism, with crisp detailing in the military attire and a refined matte-like texture to the field.

Reverse:
Allegorical figure of Italia standing on a flower-adorned quadriga, moving left, holding an olive branch and a round shield bearing the Savoy cross. In the exergue, the value L. 5 flanked by the mintmark R and engraver’s signature. Date 1914 beneath the horses’ hooves. The reverse, known as the “Quadriga Briosa”, is considered one of the most beautiful compositions of Italian numismatics—dynamic, balanced, and full of classical symbolism of peace and national pride.

Condition:
Light cabinet tone, attractive luster, sharply struck details on the King’s bust and horse heads. Minor hairlines only visible under magnification. A superior specimen of this rare pre-war issue.

Estimate / Reserve:
€9,000 – €12,000