The lira (plural: lire) was the distinct currency of Parma before 1802 and again from 1815 to 1859.
History
First lira
The Duchy of Parma issued its own currency until it was annexed to France in 1802. This lira was subdivided into 20
soldi (:
soldo), each of 12
denari (singular:
denaro), with the
sesino worth 6 denari and the
ducato was worth 7 lire. The currency was replaced by the
French franc.
Second lira
After the re-establishment of Parman independence, a national currency was introduced in 1815. Also called the lira, it was subdivided into 20
soldi or 100
centesimi. However, this lira was equal to the
French franc and the
Sardinian lira, and it circulated alongside the latter. It weighed 5 grams, and had a purity of 9/10 of
silver. Since 1860, Parma has used the equivalent
Italian lira.
Coins
First lira
In the late 18th century, circulation coins included copper 1 sesino, billon 5, 10 and 20 soldi, silver , 1, 3 and 6 lire, and 1/14, 1/7, , and 1 ducato. Gold coins were issued in denominations of 1
zecchino and , 1, 3, 4, 6 and 8
doppia.
Second lira
In 1815, silver coins were introduced in denominations of s.5 and s.10, L.1, L.2 and L.5, together with gold L.20 and L.40. Copper c.1, c.3 and c.5 were added in 1830. All coins until the death of Marie Louise were minted by the
State in
Milan. When the House of Bourbon rose to the throne in 1847, the Parman mint was re-opened but the intended issue of copper c.1, c.2 and c.5 was abandoned after the duke Charles III, whose effigy was presented on the coins, was assassinated in 1854. The only issued coin, L.5 of 1858, was struck in 1,000 copies.
See also
-
History of coins in Italy
External links
