Historical Sketch

In the mid-15th century, the Este family was elevated to dukedom of Modena, Ferrara and Reggio (Emilia). In 1796, the states were conquered by Napoleonic France and annexed to the revolutionary republics of Lombardy and the Kingdom of Italy. The 1815 Congress of Vienna restored the state as Duchy of Modena and Reggio under the Austria-Este branch of the House of Habsburg. In 1859, Austria was defeated by the Italian revolutionary forces, and the duke of Modena was forced to flee. Modena got annexed to Sardinia (Piedmont) in 1859 and integrated into the Kingdom of Italy two years later.

Monetary History Overview

Until the early 19th century, the Duchies of Modena and Reggio were separate states with distinct units of account, called Lira each. However, the production of coins had already ceased in the 18th century. In 1796, both states were conquered by France and ultimately absorbed into the Napoleonic Kingdom of Italy. The 1815 Vienna Congress recreated the Duchy of Modena and Reggio as independent state. The 1819 coinage decree confirmed the prevailing standard. The production of Modenese coins could not be resumed. In February 1859, the Duchy finally resolved to introduce a distinct currency. The decree specified the Modena-Este Lira as a silver coin equal to the Italian Lire. The issuance of gold coins without fixed value against silver was planned, as well. A month later the Duchy was conquered by Italian revolution forces, then annexed to Sardinia. The Estense currency for Modena and Reggio never came into being.

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