In the coin collecting industry, there are many enthusiasts chasing the opportunity of a lifetime. The reasons could be various: from the prestige of owning unique and rare pieces, to pure and simple income. But there are those who also do it for fun, or as a hobby.
However, this is rarely the case for euro coins. In fact, it is very difficult to access valuable specimens, which are often minting errors, or commemorative coins.
It is not so unusual, however, for the old minting coins. Some specimens of old lire, in fact, have a very great value and often even reach absurd figures.
Among these coins are those minted under the reign of Vittorio Emanuele II, considered among the most important in Italian numismatic history.
A particular historical period
During this period, coins were made of bronze, silver and gold. In the first case, denominations of 1, 2, 5 and 10 cents were included.
The specimens of 20 and 50 cents and 1, 2 and 5 lire were, on the other hand, in silver. While the values of 10, 20, 50 and 100 lire were made of gold.
The coin that we will analyze in this article belongs to the latter group and is very rare and expensive. Suffice it to say that, in some auctions, its value has reached an insane figure, with which many would be able to buy an entire apartment.
In fact, this very rare 20 lire coin that all collectors desire is worth as much as an apartment
The coin in question is the one minted in 1860 under the reign of Vittorio Emanuele II, at the mint of Bologna.
As in the case of this 100 lire coin from 1878, also here we find on the obverse the face of the king and the engraving of his name. To change are only the engraver (Donnino Bentelli) and the year of minting, i.e. 1860.
In the center of the reverse, however, we find the indication of the value, that is “LIRE 20”, surrounded by laurel branches. Around them, there is the engraving “REGIE PROVINCIE DELL’EMILIA”, while at the bottom we find the letter “B”, referring to the mint of Bologna.
The material of the coin, as already mentioned, is gold (Au 900), with a diameter of 20.5 millimeters and a weight of 6.45 grams. According to some specialized sites, due to the circulation of just 159 copies, its rarity is classified as R4.
It seems incredible but this very rare 20 lire coin that all collectors desire is worth as much as an apartment. In fact, in some auctions a few years ago, its FDC version reached the value of about 165,000 euros.
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