This Italian 500 Lire 1958 PROVA replica captures one of the most celebrated coin designs in Italian numismatic history — the iconic Caravelle (Columbus's Fleet) issue of the Italian Republic. The obverse features a magnificent left-facing Renaissance female portrait representing Italia, wearing an elaborate headdress, surrounded by a ring of 20 heraldic shields of the Italian regions — one of the most intricate border designs ever placed on an Italian coin — signed Giampaoli at the base. The reverse displays Columbus's three caravels — the Niña, Pinta and Santa María — sailing on stylised waves beneath the inscription Repvbblica Italiana, with the denomination L.500, Rome mint mark R, and the designation PROVA — indicating this is modelled on a trial proof strike.
The 500 Lire Caravelle is one of the most artistically significant coins of post-war Italy, celebrated for its extraordinary Renaissance portrait obverse and its dramatic maritime reverse commemorating Columbus's 1492 voyage to the Americas. The PROVA designation marks this as a trial proof issue — produced in strictly limited numbers to test the dies before full production — making it one of the most sought-after variants in Italian numismatics. This 30mm replica faithfully reproduces the extraordinary portrait, regional shields, and caravel detail of the original Rome Mint strike. This piece is an Italian Republic historical collectible coin designed for display and collection.
About the Design
The 500 Lire Caravelle was first issued in 1958 and became one of the defining coins of the Italian Republic, remaining in production until the introduction of the Euro in 2002. The obverse portrait of Italia — designed by sculptor Giampaoli — draws on the rich tradition of Italian Renaissance medallic art, with the ring of 20 regional shields representing the unity of the Italian nation. The reverse depicts the three caravels of Christopher Columbus — the Genoese explorer whose 1492 voyage connected the Old and New Worlds — a fitting tribute on an Italian coin, as Columbus sailed under Spanish commission but was born in Genoa. The PROVA (trial) strikes of 1958 are particularly prized by collectors for their exceptional die sharpness and limited production numbers.
✔ Free worldwide shipping ✔ Secure checkout ✔ Securely packaged for safe arrival
Product Features
-
Design: Renaissance Italia portrait with 20 regional shields obverse / Columbus's three caravels reverse
-
Inscription: Giampaoli (signed) / Repvbblica Italiana · L.500 · PROVA
-
Mint Mark: R (Rome)
-
Strike Type: PROVA (trial proof style)
-
Material: Copper with silver plating
-
Diameter: 30mm
-
Finish: Antique silver
-
Packaging: Securely packaged, ready for display or gifting
Perfect For
- Collectors of Italian Republic and European coins
- Columbus, Age of Discovery and maritime history enthusiasts
- PROVA and proof coin collectors
- Display in coin cabinets, shadow boxes, or collector trays
- Unique gift for Italian history and Renaissance art lovers
Shipping
Free worldwide tracked shipping. Estimated delivery: 9–14 days. Each coin is securely packaged for safe arrival.
Explore more historical world currency replicas in our Historical World Coins Collection.
This item is a commemorative collectible and is not legal tender, not issued by a government mint, and not an investment product. It is intended for hobby collecting and display purposes only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this an original 1958 Italian 500 Lire PROVA?
No. This is a high-quality replica collectible inspired by the original 1958 Italian 500 Lire PROVA struck at the Rome Mint. It is produced for display and collecting purposes only and is not an authentic historical artefact.
What does PROVA mean?
PROVA is the Italian word for "trial" — it refers to a proof or trial strike produced to test coin dies before full production. PROVA coins are highly sought after by collectors for their rarity, exceptional detail, and limited production numbers.
What is it made of?
The coin is made from copper with silver plating and features an antique silver finish replicating the appearance of the original Rome Mint piece.
Is this coin legal tender?
No. This item is a commemorative collectible and is not legal tender, not issued by any government mint, and has no monetary value. It is intended solely for hobby collecting and display.
How is it packaged and when will it arrive?
Each coin is securely packaged for safe arrival. We offer free worldwide tracked shipping with an estimated delivery time of 9–14 days.
Because every collection deserves one more coin.
