Kingdom of Italy Napoleon I 40 Lire Gold Coin 1813-M
Coin (Numismatic/Bullion) · Yellow Gold (Classic Coinage Alloy)
Purity: 21.6K (900/1000 fineness). This means the coin is composed of 90% pure gold and 10% copper alloy for durability.
Type
Coin (Numismatic/Bullion)
Purity
21.6K (900/1000 fineness). This means the coin is composed of 90% pure gold and 10% copper alloy for durability.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold (Classic Coinage Alloy)
Weight
12.90 grams (gross weight); contains approximately 0.3734 troy ounces of pure gold.
Description
A historic 40 Lire gold coin from the Napoleonic Kingdom of Italy. The obverse features the left-facing profile of Napoleon Bonaparte wearing a laurel wreath. The reverse (not shown but implied) would depict the coat of arms of the Kingdom of Italy. This coin is a significant artifact of European history, representing the unification of Italian states under French rule.
Key Features
Portrait of Napoleon I, the 'M' mint mark for Milan, the specific '40 LIRE' denomination (implied by size/type), and the 1813 date which was a pivotal year in the Napoleonic Wars.
Color & Finish
Pale to medium yellow with a duller surface patina. The image shows significant wear and possible cleaning, resulting in a somewhat flat, matte luster rather than a high-relief strike.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Inscribed 'NAPOLEONE IMPERATORE E RE' around the bust. '1813' date at the bottom. Small mint mark 'M' (Milan) and incuse incised details typical of the Napoleonic Italian mint.
Dimensions Estimate
Approximately 26mm in diameter and 1.8mm in thickness.
Gemstones & Inlays
None. This is a solid gold numismatic specimen.
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable. The coin features a reeded edge for security against 'clipping' (shaving gold off the edges).
Chain & Links
Not applicable; however, the reeded edge is a structural feature to prevent debasement.
Craftsmanship Details
Originally struck using screw presses. Characterized by 'Manfredini style' portraiture with high relief, though this specific specimen's detail is muted by heavy circulation wear.
Authentication Indicators
Red Flag Alert: The color appears unusually silvery or 'washy' for 90% gold, and the lettering lacks the crispness of a genuine struck coin. Professional XRF or specific gravity testing is highly recommended as high-quality vintage counterfeits (often in lower-grade gold or brass) exist for this series.
Origin & Maker
Kingdom of Italy, Milan Mint ('M' mark). Designed by Luigi Manfredini.
Era & Period
Napoleonic Era (Kingdom of Italy, 1805–1814). This specific coin represents the height of the First French Empire's influence in Italy.
Age Estimate
Dated 1813; approximately 211 years old.
Cultural Significance
Represents the transition of Italy from a collection of duchies into a unified administrative state. These coins were used to fund Napoleon's Grande Armée during his later campaigns.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good (standard numismatic grade: VG to F). The coin shows heavy wear on the high points of the hair and lettering. The rim has several small nicks. The surface appears somewhat porous, which could indicate a cast counterfeit or significant environmental damage.
Value Estimate
Primarily based on gold melt value (~$850-$950 USD depending on spot) plus a numismatic premium if determined to be genuine (approx. $1,100 - $1,300 total in this condition). If a counterfeit, value is negligible.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish. Store in a PVC-free plastic flip or archival capsule. Handle only by the edges to prevent skin oils from causing further toning.
Similar Items
20 Lire Gold Napoleon (smaller version), French 40 Francs (Gold), 1813 Sardinia 20 Lire (Victor Emmanuel I).
Interesting Facts
Napoleon was the first to implement the decimal system in Italian coinage. Despite his eventual defeat, the 20 and 40 Lire standards he set heavily influenced the later Latin Monetary Union.