18K Yellow Gold Italian 200 Lire Commemorative Coin Pendant (1997 Navy Academy Edition)
Pendant / Commemorative Coin Jewelry · Yellow Gold (High-karat Italian alloy with silver and copper).
Purity: 18K (750) Mounting; Coin is typically Aluminum-Bronze (base metal) but frequently plated or reproduced in solid 18K for jewelry sets. Given the color consistency and jewelry application, this is likely an 18K solid gold reproduction of the coin design.
Type
Pendant / Commemorative Coin Jewelry
Purity
18K (750) Mounting; Coin is typically Aluminum-Bronze (base metal) but frequently plated or reproduced in solid 18K for jewelry sets. Given the color consistency and jewelry application, this is likely an 18K solid gold reproduction of the coin design.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold (High-karat Italian alloy with silver and copper).
Weight
5 to 8 grams (combining the weight of the coin-style disc and the bail/mounting).
Description
An elegant circular pendant featuring the iconic 1997 Italian 200 Lire design commemorating the Centenary of the Naval Academy of Livorno. The piece displays a stylized naval vessel and the Academy's crest, transformed into a luxury accessory.
Key Features
Features the 200 Lire denomination markers, 1897-1997 dates, and the specific Naval Academy commemorative maritime iconography.
Color & Finish
Rich buttery yellow with a satin-matte background on the coin face and high-polish raised relief and rim.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Expected '750' and Italian star-maker mark (e.g., '* 1 AR') usually located on the bail/jump ring or the reverse rim.
Dimensions Estimate
Diameter of approximately 24mm (standard for 200 Lire) with a thickness of 1.5mm.
Gemstones & Inlays
None; focused on numismatic relief and texturing.
Clasp & Closure
Simple soldered jump ring and flared bail for threading onto a chain.
Chain & Links
N/A; item is a pendant. The edge of the coin-disc features a smooth, polished finish as a jewelry piece.
Craftsmanship Details
Precision die-struck image with a hand-applied high-polish finish on the raised lettering and a soldered bail.
Authentication Indicators
Color uniformity indicates high-karat gold rather than plating; the crispness of the lettering in '200 LIRE' suggests a high-quality struck gold piece rather than a base metal original.
Origin & Maker
Italy; potentially a private mint or a commercial jeweler in Arezzo or Vicenza.
Era & Period
Late 20th Century (1990s Italian Jewelry style).
Age Estimate
Circa 1997-2005 based on the 'Centenario Accademia Navale di Livorno' 1897-1997 coin motif.
Cultural Significance
Represents the Italian tradition of 'Moneta Gioiello' (Coin Jewelry), which celebrates national identity and historical milestones through wearble wealth.
Condition Notes
Very Good (Grade: 85/100). Minor micro-scratches consistent with wear; high-relief features remain sharp and un-rubbed.
Value Estimate
Primarily valued by melt weight + 15-25% design premium. Estimated $450 - $650 USD depending on live gold spot prices.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners if the bail solder is thin. Store in a soft pouch to avoid scratching the 'mirror' fields.
Similar Items
18K Gold Sovereign Pendants, Krugerrand Bezel Pendants, and Italian Lira Bullion Jewelry.
Interesting Facts
The original circulating coin was made of 'Bronzital' (aluminum-bronze), but it was so popular that Italian jewelers frequently cast or struck versions in solid gold for use in necklaces.