Obverse: The obverse features a portrait of the famous Italian scientist Galileo Galilei, surrounded by the inscription REPUBBLICA ITALIANA GALILEO GALILEI LINCEO. Engraver – Franco Pioli.
Reverse: The reverse shows the coat of arms of the Accademia dei Lincei – the oldest scientific academy in Italy. Around it is the inscription DIALOGO SOPRA I DUE MASSIMI SISTEMI ACCADEMIA NAZIONALE DEI LINCEI, referring to Galileo’s work Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems. The years 1632 and 1982 are inscribed on both sides, with the denomination L. 500, letter R, and engraver’s signature F. PIOLI at the bottom.
About the coin: This commemorative 500 Lire coin was issued by Italy in 1982 to mark the 350th anniversary of Galileo Galilei’s scientific contribution. It is made of .835 fine silver, weighs 11 g, and has a diameter of 29.3 mm. The fine silver content is 9.19 g.
