Italian Fascist Coin | 5 centesimi

The Italian 5 Centesimi coin minted between 1936 and 1943 was issued during the reign of King Victor Emmanuel III, a period marked by Italy's fascist regime under Benito Mussolini. These coins were part of Italy's low-denomination currency during a time of political and economic upheaval, as the country engaged in expansionist campaigns and eventually entered World War II.

The obverse of the coin prominently features a portrait of King Victor Emmanuel III, depicted in a profile facing either left or right depending on the specific issue. Around the king’s image is the inscription “VITTORIO EMANUELE III RE D’ITALIA” (Victor Emmanuel III, King of Italy). This design reflects the monarch's continued association with the nation’s currency despite the increasing dominance of Mussolini’s fascist imagery in other areas of Italian life.

During this period, Italy's economy faced increasing strain due to the costs of militarization and war, leading to a decline in the purchasing power of small denominations like the 5 Centesimi. By the early 1940s, as World War II intensified, the production of bronze coins became less practical, and many were melted down to support the war effort.

Today, these coins are sought after by collectors for their historical significance rather than their metal value. While most examples in circulated condition are modestly priced, uncirculated specimens or those with rare minting variations can command higher prices. The 5 Centesimi coin from this era serves as a tangible reminder of Italy’s tumultuous path through the interwar period and World War II.

Ancient Artifacts guarantees the Authenticity of items sold through a three layer system of protection: 

1. Ancient Artifacts exclusively sources artifacts from trusted and reputable antique distributors, many of whom have been selling Artifacts for decades.  
2. Next, the Artifact is inspected by an expert team member, who is professionally trained in counterfeit detection After the artifact passes inspection, the Certificate of Authenticity is signed and the Artifact is packaged. 
3. Finally, Ancient Artifacts gives an additional layer of protection by promising a full refund with no questions asked, in the extremely unlikely event that a counterfeit slips through our vetting process.

The coin you will receive will look very similar the one you can find pictured above. That said, your coin could be of any year (1940-1943). The display case included is openable so that you may easily handle and closely observe the artifact. If for whatever reason you get anything that does not fit this description you are entitled to your money back! 

World War II-era coins are relatively easy to own due to their mass production and durability. During the war, countries involved in the conflict minted millions of coins for use in daily transactions and military operations. These coins were often made from materials such as copper, nickel, or zinc, chosen for their availability and resilience under the constraints of wartime economies. In some cases, alternative metals like aluminum or steel were used to conserve more valuable resources for the war effort.

Many of these coins were preserved because of their widespread use and the significance attached to them. Soldiers often kept coins as personal keepsakes or souvenirs from places they were stationed. Families and collectors later retained them as reminders of a pivotal historical period. Some coins were also discovered in wartime caches, hidden by civilians or soldiers for safekeeping during the chaos of the conflict.

The historical and cultural value of these coins, combined with their durable construction and the vast quantities originally minted, makes them accessible to collectors worldwide.