1962 Italy 1000 Lire – Giuseppe Verdi & the Cultural Legacy of Opera

Pick# 96 | Printed by Officina della Banca d’Italia

Issued during Italy’s post-war economic recovery, the 1962 1000 Lire banknote honors Giuseppe Verdi, the iconic opera composer whose works helped shape Italian national identity. Printed by Officina della Banca d’Italia, this note reflects Italy’s reverence for the arts and its cultural renaissance in the mid-20th century.

As part of the 1962–1968 series, this issue blends classical design with patriotic symbolism. With its ornate rosettes and geometric patterns, it offers collectors a tribute to Italy’s artistic heritage and its enduring pride in national icons.


Design Highlights

Obverse:

Portrait of Giuseppe Verdi at right
Large rosette with “1000” at center
Medusa seal in orange below
Text: Banca d’Italia
Printed in blue, red, orange, and green tones

Reverse:

Multicolored geometric background
Central rosette with denomination
Penal code text in banner format
Text: Lire Mille

Watermark:
Laureate head of Italia


Specifications
Attribute Details
Country Italy
Year 1962
Denomination 1000 Lire
Issuer Banca d’Italia
Printer Officina della Banca d’Italia / I.P.S.
Size 125 × 62 mm
Material Paper
Pick Number P# 96
Watermark Head of Italia
Status Demonetized (1973)



Why Add This Note to Your Collection?

This 1962 Italy 1000 Lire note is ideal for:

Collectors of opera and cultural icons
Admirers of Giuseppe Verdi and Italian music history
Fans of mid-century European banknote design
Curators of pre-Euro Italian currency

Whether you're building a collection around Italy’s artistic legacy or exploring the visual language of national pride, this note offers elegance, historical depth, and cultural resonance.