1989 Italy 200 Lire Centenary of the Taranto Maritime Military Arsenal (Bronzital)
Coin (Commemorative/Circulating) · None. The yellow color is derived from copper, aluminum, and nickel content (Bronzital).
Purity: 0% (Not Gold). This is composed of Bronzital, an aluminum-bronze alloy.
Type
Coin (Commemorative/Circulating)
Purity
0% (Not Gold). This is composed of Bronzital, an aluminum-bronze alloy.
Gold Type
None. The yellow color is derived from copper, aluminum, and nickel content (Bronzital).
Weight
5.0 grams
Description
An Italian 200 Lire commemorative coin featuring a sailing ship in front of the Taranto Arsenal. The design celebrates the 100th anniversary (1889-1989) of the Military Maritime Arsenal of Taranto. While it possesses a bright yellow color that mimics gold, it is a base-metal circulating coin.
Key Features
Centenario Dell'Arsenale Militare Marittimo Di Taranto inscription; depiction of a navy ship; dual dates 1889-1989.
Color & Finish
Golden-yellow brassy hue with a satin/matte circulation finish and minor surface oxidation.
Hallmarks & Stamps
R (Mint mark for Rome), L.200 (Denomination), 'M. GROSSI' (Designer mark on the bottom rim).
Dimensions Estimate
24 mm diameter, 1.64 mm thickness
Gemstones & Inlays
None
Clasp & Closure
Reeded edge for tactile identification and anti-counterfeiting.
Chain & Links
Standard reeded coin edge.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-struck die process used by the IPZS; features high-relief architectural and maritime details characteristic of Italian coinage design.
Authentication Indicators
Distinctive Bronzital yellow-gold color; standardized Rome Mint 'R' mark; correct weight-to-diameter ratio for the 200 Lire series.
Origin & Maker
Italy; Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato (IPZS), Rome Mint.
Era & Period
Modern (Late 20th Century Italian Lira era)
Age Estimate
Dated 1989; approximately 35 years old.
Cultural Significance
Represents Italy's naval history and the industrial importance of the Taranto region during the late Cold War period.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good (Circulated). Minor surface scratches and typical pocket wear; no major gouges or deformations.
Value Estimate
$1.00 - $3.00 USD. Value is numismatic/collectible, as it has zero gold melt value.
Care & Maintenance
Keep dry to prevent oxidation (verdigris); do not use abrasive polish as it removes the original mint luster.
Similar Items
Other 200 Lire commemoratives such as the Maria Montessori or FAO editions; 10k gold coins (which would be much thinner/smaller for this weight).
Interesting Facts
Bronzital was specifically developed to resist corrosion while maintaining a precious metal-like appearance for low-denomination Italian currency.