The 1945 Italy 20 Lire coin featuring Benito Mussolini is actually a piece of fantasy or privately produced coinage, rather than official government-issued currency. These fantasy coins were likely made in the mid-to-late 20th century by enthusiasts or nostalgics inspired by Mussolini’s era and not struck by the Italian mint in 1945. This 20 Lire fantasy coin typically shows a helmeted bust of Mussolini on the reverse, with Roman fasces imagery and inscriptions celebrating the Fascist regime. The date 1945 commemorates the final year of World War II and Mussolini’s death, making the token a historical tribute rather than legal tender. Such pieces were produced in silver, silvered brass, or gold, with the silvered brass versions generally valued at under $10 and silver examples around $20. While historically interesting, these fantasy coins are considered contrived collectors’ items rather than genuine numismatic pieces. Their value lies more in their novelty and historical symbolism than in traditional coin collecting. The reverse legend often translates to “It is better to live one day as a lion than a year as a sheep,” a famous Fascist slogan linked to Mussolini’s regime. Collectors intrigued by mid-20th century Italian political history or Fascist memorabilia may find these tokens fascinating, but they should be aware of their unofficial status. This 1945 Mussolini 20 Lire coin is best viewed as a rare novelty reflecting a complex and controversial period of Italian history, rather than an official currency piece.