Lire?

I sincerely doubt it. And it's wouldn't be worth more than a buck or two anyway, so I think your best value is to keep the coins as a souvenir.

Even if they will take them, 3000 lire is only $1.55! (www.oanda.com)

By the way, the lire went away Jan. 1, 2002, when they went to the euro. How did you get them in 2006?

Italian Lire were replaced by the Euro on 1st January 2002, at the rate of €1 = 1,936.27 Lira.
3000 Lire = €1.55, not enough to buy a Gelato.

The exchange period has long since ended, just keep them as souvenirs.

Or sell them on ebay. Close to worthless.

No, the term for exchanging them expired in 2012. (Actually in late 2011, but there was a case in Italian High Court reopening the term to Feb. 29th, 2012).

Or, have it made into a pendant?

Glue 'em to a picture frame to display a favorite pix from that trip.

Last time I used the Lira in the late 70s there were still 500 and 1000 lira notes. Italy hadn’t switched to the coins yet. 750 lira to the dollar.

Sometimes, jewelry artists-craftsmen look for unique items to create interesting bracelets, neck pieces or bold rings. And, you have authentic Lire, no copies.

Depending on where you live, if there are "antique" consignment stores, maybe ask if they would like to try selling a few. Or, maybe they know people who might be interested in buying some or all of them from you. People who create love original pieces.

If you are into jewelry, inquire around to local artisans about designing one-of-a-kind pieces. If all this doesn't grab you, you can buy a pretty "boudoir" clear glass jewel case and display them as a conversation piece - provided you like that sort of thing.

There are a lot of creative ideas to be had. Have fun with them.

Thank you all for you input. They are great.
As to the time I got the lire, I had completely forgot that my daughter & I made a trip to Europe back in 1987, she was on a high
school experience. Wow how time flies. Should have tried to exchange them in 2006 but had not found them then.

Even better, how about using them for tips!

You could toss them in the Trevi Fountain. Even though they're not legal tender anymore, I can attest to the fact that they still work their "magic." :)

As the 500 lire is about the same size of 2 euro coins, it may be used to unblock trolleys in supermarkets. The only use I can think out now.

You now have a souvenir of your good times in Italy.

Buon viaggia,