1871 Italy 20 Lire Gold Coin, Vittorio Emanuele II
Coin (Numismatic and Bullion) · Yellow Gold with a slight reddish/orange tint due to the historic 10% copper alloy used in the Latin Monetary Union standard.
Purity: 21.6K (900 Fine Gold); contains 90% pure gold and 10% copper alloy for durability.
Type
Coin (Numismatic and Bullion)
Purity
21.6K (900 Fine Gold); contains 90% pure gold and 10% copper alloy for durability.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold with a slight reddish/orange tint due to the historic 10% copper alloy used in the Latin Monetary Union standard.
Weight
6.45 grams total weight; contains 0.1867 troy oz of pure gold (Actual Gold Weight).
Description
An authentic 1871 20 Lire gold coin featuring the bare head of Vittorio Emanuele II facing right. This coin represents the unification era of Italy and adheres to the strict standards of the Latin Monetary Union. It is prized by both stackers for its gold content and numismatists for its historical Italian heritage.
Key Features
Portrait of the first King of a united Italy; 'R' mint mark signifying the Rome minting following the capture of Rome in 1870; reeded edge; 90% gold fineness.
Color & Finish
Classic warm yellow gold with a subtle rose-tinted patina; features a semi-lustrous circulation finish with original die-struck details.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Inscribed 'VITTORIO EMANUELE II' and date '1871' on obverse. Reverse typically bears the Savoy Coat of Arms, 'L.20', and the 'R' mint mark for Rome.
Dimensions Estimate
Diameter: 21mm; Thickness: 1.3mm (Standard LMU specifications for 20 unit denominations).
Gemstones & Inlays
None; purely a struck precious metal coin.
Clasp & Closure
N/A; reeded edge for security against shaving or clipping.
Chain & Links
N/A; solid struck planchet with a flat, circular profile and reeded edges.
Craftsmanship Details
Die-struck at the Rome Mint using heavy mechanical presses. High-relief portraiture with a precisely reeded edge to prevent debasement.
Authentication Indicators
Correct strike depth for 1871; legends 'VITTORIO EMANUELE II' are correctly spaced; weight should be exactly 6.45g (+/- wear); characteristic yellow-orange hue of 90% gold.
Origin & Maker
Kingdom of Italy, struck at the Rome Mint (indicated by the 'R' mint mark) under King Vittorio Emanuele II.
Era & Period
Kingdom of Italy (1861–1946); Victorian-era equivalent contemporary to the Latin Monetary Union period.
Age Estimate
Dated 1871; approximately 153 years old.
Cultural Significance
A symbol of the 'Risorgimento' (Italian Unification). 1871 was the first year Rome was established as the capital of the united Kingdom of Italy.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Fine (VG-F) grade. Visible surface contact marks, faint scratches, and moderate wear on the hair details and beard. No major gouges or signs of ex-jewelry mounting.
Value Estimate
Value consists of the 'melt value' (approx. $450-$500 USD based on spot) plus a numismatic premium of 5-15% depending on specific collector demand for the 1871 date.
Care & Maintenance
Do not polish or clean with abrasives as this destroys numismatic value. Store in a PVC-free air-tight capsule or acid-free paper flip. Handle only by the edges.
Similar Items
French 20 Francs (Marianne/Rooster or Napoleon III), Swiss 20 Francs (Vreneli), and Italian 20 Lire of Umberto I.
Interesting Facts
The 20 Lire was designed to be interchangeable with the French 20 Franc (Napoleon), the Swiss 20 Franc, and the Belgian 20 Franc as part of an early attempt at a single European currency.