The lira (plural: lire) was the distinct currency of Parma before 1802 and again from 1815 to 1859.

Parman lira
lira nuova (Italian)
10 soldi coin by Marie Louise
Unit
Nicknamefranc
Denominations
Subunit
120soldo
1100centesimo
Coinsc.1, c.3, c.5
s.5, s.10, L.1, L.2, L.5
 Rarely usedL.20, L.40
Demographics
Official user(s) Parma
Unofficial user(s) Monaco,  France,  Piedmont,  Andorra
Issuance
MintMilan Mint, Parma Mint
Valuation
Pegged withFrench franc
This infobox shows the latest status before this currency was rendered obsolete.

History

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First lira

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The Duchy of Parma issued its own currency until it was annexed to France in 1802. This lira was subdivided into 20 soldi (singular: 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

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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.[citation needed] Since 1860, Parma has used the equivalent Italian lira.

Coins

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First lira

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In the late 18th century, circulation coins included copper 1 sesino, billon 5, 10 and 20 soldi, silver 12, 1, 3 and 6 lire, and 1/14, 1/7, 12, and 1 ducato. Gold coins were issued in denominations of 1 zecchino and 12, 1, 3, 4, 6 and 8 doppia.

Second lira

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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 Austrian 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

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References

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  • Krause, Chester L.; Clifford Mishler (1978). Standard Catalog of World Coins: 1979 Edition. Colin R. Bruce II (senior editor) (5th ed.). Krause Publications. ISBN 0873410203.
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