Currencies/Eritrean centesimo
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Introduction
The Eritrean Centesimo was a fractional coin used during the Italian colonial period in Eritrea (1890–1941). It was a subunit of the Eritrean Lira, with 100 centesimi equaling 1 lira. Introduced by Italy after the formal establishment of Italian Eritrea in 1890, the centesimo reflected the colonial adaptation of the Italian monetary system in East Africa.
History
Following Italy’s establishment of Eritrea as a colony in 1890, the Italian lira became the official currency. To facilitate trade and daily transactions in the colony, the Italian government issued localized coinage denominated in centesimi and lire, specifically minted for circulation in Eritrea.
The Eritrean centesimo coins were minted primarily between 1890 and 1921, under the reigns of King Umberto I and King Victor Emmanuel III. These coins mirrored the design and composition of Italian centesimo coins but bore distinctive markings linking them to Italian Eritrea.
The centesimo remained in use until Italy replaced it with the Italian East African lira during the formation of Italian East Africa (Africa Orientale Italiana) in 1938, merging Eritrea with Ethiopia and Italian Somaliland.
Coins
The Eritrean centesimo coins were struck in copper and bronze, designed for small-scale trade and everyday use.
Common Denominations
1 centesimo
2 centesimi
5 centesimi
10 centesimi
Design Features
Obverse Portraits of the Italian monarchs — Umberto I (1890–1900) and Victor Emmanuel III (1900–1921).
Reverse Denomination value, date, and wreath designs, sometimes with inscriptions referring to Colonia Eritrea (Eritrean Colony).
The coins were minted in Rome and occasionally at other Italian mints.
Currency
The Eritrean monetary system followed the Italian model
1 Eritrean Lira = 100 Centesimi
It was equivalent in value to the Italian lira, allowing free exchange between Italy and its colony. The centesimo thus played a role in integrating Eritrea’s economy into Italy’s broader imperial trade network.
Legacy
The Eritrean centesimo represents one of the earliest formal monetary systems in modern Eritrea. Although replaced by later colonial and post-independence currencies, it remains significant in numismatic history as a symbol of Italian colonial influence and early East African monetary standardization.
These coins are now considered collectible artifacts, valued for their rarity and historical connection to the colonial era of Eritrea.