Italy 20 Lire Gold Coin

The Italy 20 Lire Gold Coin is a beautiful and historically significant piece of numismatic art, minted from 1861 to 1923. Featuring the reigning monarch on the obverse and the Italian coat of arms on the reverse, this coin is highly sought after by collectors and investors interested in European gold coins.

Design and Specifications

• Obverse (front): The obverse typically features a portrait of the reigning monarch of Italy during the coin's issuance period. For example, coins from the 1860s feature King Vittorio Emanuele II, while later issues feature King Umberto I and King Vittorio Emanuele III.
• Reverse (back): The reverse displays the Italian coat of arms, including a shield and a cross, surrounded by a wreath. The denomination 'L. 20' is inscribed below.
• Weight: 6.4516 grams
• Gold Content: 0.1867 troy ounces of pure gold
• Fineness: 90% gold (0.900 fineness)

Mint Marks and Varieties

The Italy 20 Lire Gold Coin was struck at several mints, with mint marks indicating the place of origin. The mint mark is typically found on the reverse, near the date:

• Rome ('R'): The most common mint mark for these coins. Coins from Rome are widely collected and generally more available.
• Milan ('M'): Less common than Rome-minted coins, Milan issues are prized for their relative scarcity.
• Turin ('T'): Turin-minted coins are relatively rare and sought after by collectors.
• Genoa ('G'): Another rare mint mark, coins from Genoa are highly desirable due to their limited production.

Common Dates vs. Rare Dates

Common dates for the Italy 20 Lire Gold Coin include those minted in the early years of King Vittorio Emanuele II's reign, such as 1861, 1862, and 1863. These coins were produced in larger quantities and are generally more affordable for collectors.

Rare Dates and Varieties

Key dates and rare varieties include coins minted during transitional periods or years with low mintages. For instance, coins from 1882 and 1883, during the reign of Umberto I, are rarer and more valuable. Additionally, coins struck in 1923, the final year of production, are highly sought after due to their limited mintage.

Various Grades and Values

The value of Italy 20 Lire Gold Coins depends on their condition (grade), rarity, and mint mark. Here is a general estimate of the value based on grades for common-date coins:

• Good (G): $250-350
• Fine (F): $300-400
• Extremely Fine (XF): $400-500
• About Uncirculated (AU): $500-700
• Brilliant Uncirculated (BU/MS): $700-1,000

Rare mint marks and key dates can command prices well into the thousands for coins in higher grades.

The Italy 20 Lire Gold Coin is a significant piece of Italian numismatic history. Coins from lesser-known mints like Turin and Genoa, as well as key dates, are highly sought after by collectors and can command significant premiums. Common-date coins are more affordable, making them a popular choice for gold investors. The coin's value increases significantly with higher grades and more desirable mint marks.

Italy 20 Lire Gold Coin Auctions