Italy 1871-M Vittorio Emanuele II 20 Lire Gold Coin
Coin (Numismatic and Bullion) · Yellow Gold (Classic 19th-century monetary alloy with warm copper undertones)
Purity: 21.6K / 900 Fine (90% pure gold, 10% copper alloy)
Type
Coin (Numismatic and Bullion)
Purity
21.6K / 900 Fine (90% pure gold, 10% copper alloy)
Gold Type
Yellow Gold (Classic 19th-century monetary alloy with warm copper undertones)
Weight
6.45 grams (Total weight); 5.81 grams (Actual Gold Weight / 0.1867 troy oz)
Description
A historic 20 Lire gold coin from the Kingdom of Italy featuring the profile of the first King of a united Italy, Vittorio Emanuele II. The obverse depicts the King facing right with a characteristic mustache and goatee, laurel-less. This coin was a staple of the Latin Monetary Union, designed to circulate alongside French Francs and Swiss Francs at parity.
Key Features
Portrait by Giuseppe Ferraris; 90% gold fineness; LMU standard dimensions; 1871 date marking the post-unification era
Color & Finish
Pale yellow with a satin-like luster typical of circulated 19th-century gold; visible surface bag marks and light circulation patina
Hallmarks & Stamps
Text: 'VITTORIO EMANUELE II', Date: '1871', Mint Mark 'M' (Milan) on reverse (not shown but consistent with type), Engraver mark 'FERRARIS' at base of neck
Dimensions Estimate
21.0 mm Diameter; 1.3 mm Thickness
Gemstones & Inlays
None; purely metallic numismatic strike
Clasp & Closure
Reeded edge (milled) for security against clipping and shaving common in 19th-century circulation
Chain & Links
Not applicable; solid minted planchet with reeded vertical edge detail
Craftsmanship Details
Die-struck at the Milan Mint; high relief portraiture with fine detail in the hair follicles; precise radial lettering and beaded border
Authentication Indicators
Sharpness of the 'FERRARIS' engraving; correct font spacing; reeded edge profile; weight/diameter ratio (XRF testing recommended to confirm 90% AU content)
Origin & Maker
Kingdom of Italy; Mint: Milan (M); Chief Engraver: Giuseppe Ferraris
Era & Period
Kingdom of Italy (Vittorio Emanuele II Reign, 1861-1878); Latin Monetary Union standard
Age Estimate
Minted in 1871; approximately 153 years old
Cultural Significance
Represents the Risorgimento and the unification of Italy; served as a primary high-value currency in 19th-century European trade.
Condition Notes
About Very Good (AV/VF); visible field scratches and high-point wear on the hair and beard. No major rim dings, but significant surface contact marks consistent with light banking use.
Value Estimate
Primary value in gold melt (~$450-$480 USD based on spot) plus a numismatic premium of 10-20% depending on exact grade and mint rarity
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish as it destroys numismatic value; store in a PVC-free archival coin flip or airtight capsule; handle only by the edges
Similar Items
French 20 Francs (Napoleon III or Lucky Angel), Swiss 20 Vreneli, Belgian 20 Francs (Leopold II); all share identical weight and fineness specifications
Interesting Facts
Vittorio Emanuele II was known as 'Padre della Patria' (Father of the Fatherland). This coin was part of the Latin Monetary Union (LMU), a precursor to the Euro created in 1865.