Finding a high-value coin is the desire of any numismatic enthusiast, collector or expert. However, this is an extremely rare eventuality, which for many is almost a dream. However, those who have considerable time and money can enter this sector to find the deal and make investments.
In the list of the most desired and sought after coins, at least in Italy, there are certainly those dating back to the Risorgimento. We are talking about specimens minted at the dawn of the Kingdom of Italy, when the Savoy dynasty was in power.
Above all, the pieces minted under the reign of Vittorio Emanuele II are really very important from the point of view numismatic. In fact, we have already noted the value of this period this 100 lire coin which could be worth more than 150,000 euros.
But it is nothing compared to the currency that we will analyze shortly, which has reached a truly exorbitant value.
A particular coin
We are talking about the 50 lire “PROVA” coin from 1864.
Whoever finds this specimen could have a real treasure in their hands, especially if in an optimal state of conservation. In fact, you have to be careful because this very rare 50 lire coin could be worth up to 379,500 euros.
But first you need to know that in the numismatic world coins are classified according to their rarity and state of conservation. In the first case, we can have coins:
- uncommon (NC);
- rare (R);
- very rare (RR or R2);
- extremely rare (RRR or R3);
- extremely rare (RRRR or R4);
- few examples (RRRRR or R5).
While as regards conservation, we can have coins: beautiful (B), very beautiful (BB), splendid (SPL), Fior Di Conio (FDC) or Proof (FS).
This particular 50 lire coin “PROVA”, has a classification R4, as the minted specimens would be only 103.
On the obverse, we find the face of King Vittorio Emanuele II and the year 1864. On the reverse, however, there is the Savoy coat of arms surrounded by the Annunziata collar and three laurel branches. Below is the nominal value “L. 50 ”, between the mint symbol and that of the national bank.
Although it is reported in the year 1864, this coin was however minted and issued in 1867.
The material of which it is composed is mainly gold (Au 899.6); it has a weight of 16.12 grams and a diameter of 27.5 millimeters.
So if we were to find it, be very careful because this very rare 50 lire coin could be worth up to 379,500 euros.
In numerous auctions over the past few years, this coin has been sold at truly insane prices. For example, one of the latest auctions in chronological order, which took place in May 2019, closed at 225,700 euros.
While in an auction of 2010 and one of 2011 (both took place in October) the offer reached 379,500 euros. In short, these are figures that are certainly not within everyone’s reach, but which reflect the incredible value of this coin.
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