P031
Paper, UNC
92 mm x 59 mm (3-5/8” x 2-5/16”)
HISTORY: In the midst of a withering World War II assault on Italy by British and United States forces, currency was still being issued by the Italian state.
OBVERSE: Mario Baiardi, a talented engraver known for his banknote and postage stamp designs, was commissioned to design elements of this unique 10-lire bill. “G.M. MATLONI, DIS” (lower left) produced this bill, engraved by “1st POL STATO OFFICINA CARTE · VALORI” (lower right), printers of postage stamps and circulating banknotes.
REVERSE: A brace of heroic, nude, male workers frame this scene. To the left, a worker cradles a scythe across his left shoulder while running a whetstone along the blade. On the right, a laborer hoists a sledgehammer over his right shoulder.