In an extraordinary turn of events in Genoa, Italy, two sisters have unearthed a remarkable treasure hidden within several packages of pasta. Inside the packets stored in their grandfather's cellar were 150 million lire.
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"I couldn't believe my eyes," exclaimed one of the sisters to the Adnkronos news agency.
However, the disappointing news came when Bankitalia responded, stating that the sum of money cannot be converted into euros as more than 10 years have passed since the introduction of the new currency.
Discovery of the Treasure
"About 20 years ago, our grandfather suddenly passed away due to a heart attack. Our father wanted to buy the house back then. But we didn't return to live there. We rented it out and stored all of Grandpa's things in the cellar. Some time later, our father also passed away."
In 2023, the family decided to sell the house, prompting the sisters to return to the apartment to retrieve old tiles that were there.
"We emptied vases, removed wine bottles," one of the sisters said, "but later found a stash of banknotes totaling 150 million lire, all hidden in ten packets of pasta."
"We approached the Bank of Italy to request an exchange, but they replied that since more than ten years have passed since the euro was introduced (2002), it is no longer possible," they explained.
Now, the two sisters are considering writing to the President of the Republic and the Governor of the Bank of Italy to request the conversion of the lire into euros.
"I would plead with them and anyone who might have the ability to do something, to put their hand on their heart, because other European countries continue to exchange old currencies that are found perhaps accidentally. Like in our case, there are many other families. Many grandparents and many parents have saved a lifetime and so they are frustrating their sacrifices. I truly hope that something can be done," one of the sisters expressed.
This discovery not only highlights a fascinating personal story but also raises questions about the treatment of outdated currencies in modern Europe, stirring hopes for a resolution that honors the efforts and memories of countless families across the continent.