The term 'forerunners of euros' can be summarized as the currencies that preceded the euro. The LIRE (4 letters) is an acronym for the Italian currency, the lira. The lira was the official currency of Italy from 1861 until 2002 when it was replaced by the euro. The lira was also used in other countries such as Malta, San Marino, and Vatican City. Other currencies that preceded the euro include the French franc, the German mark, and the Spanish peseta.