Italy 1871 — Germania with Shield and Spear, Vignette Die Proof (Used for 500 Lire, PS977)
Engraved vignette die proof titled 'Germania with Shield and Spear,' executed by Bradbury, Wilkinson & Co., London, for the Banca Italo-Germanica circa 1871. The intaglio engraving portrays the female personification of Germany—Germania—standing armed with shield and spear, crowned with laurel, and rendered in the romantic classical style characteristic of early Bradbury Wilkinson export work. The surrounding cartouche bears the inscription 'BANCA ITALO-GERMANICA' and the denomination 500, indicating its later integration into the 500 Lire proof (PS977). ... Read more →
ItalyVignette Die Proof1871—PMG Certified (Vignette Proof) Germania AllegoryVignette ProofBanca Italo-GermanicaBradbury WilkinsonItaly500 lire187119th Century EngravingProof