Italy 1871-M Vittorio Emanuele II 20 Lire Gold Coin
Coin (Numismatic/Bullion) · Yellow Gold (Historical LMU Standard Alloy)
Purity: 21.6K (900/1000 fineness), consisting of 90% pure gold and 10% copper alloy for durability.
Type
Coin (Numismatic/Bullion)
Purity
21.6K (900/1000 fineness), consisting of 90% pure gold and 10% copper alloy for durability.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold (Historical LMU Standard Alloy)
Weight
6.45 grams gross weight; contains 0.1867 troy ounces (5.805 grams) of pure gold.
Description
A historic 20 Lire gold coin from the unification period of Italy. The obverse depicts the head of King Vittorio Emanuele II facing right, a symbols of the Savoyard dynasty. These coins were minted to the strict standards of the Latin Monetary Union, making them interchangeable with French 20 Francs (Napoleons) of the same era. It represents both a store of wealth and a significant artifact of European political history.
Key Features
Portrait of the first King of a united Italy; LMU standard weight and diameter; Milan mint mark 'M'.
Color & Finish
Classic pale yellow gold with a matte-to-lustrous satin finish. Visible surface 'bag marks' and circulation hairlines consistent with age.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Obverse: 'VITTORIO EMANUELE II' and the date '1871'. Reverse (inferred): Kingdom of Italy Coat of Arms, 'L.20' denomination, and 'M' mint mark for Milan.
Dimensions Estimate
21.0 mm in diameter; 1.3 mm in thickness.
Gemstones & Inlays
None; purely metallic numismatic strike.
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable; reeded (milled) edge for security against shaving/clipping.
Chain & Links
Not applicable; features a standard reeded edge typical of Latin Monetary Union coinage.
Craftsmanship Details
Struck with steel dies on a hand-fed or steam-powered press; excellent facial proportions and uniform reeding.
Authentication Indicators
Correct font style for '1871'; high-relief detailing in the facial features; distinct reeded edge. Weight must be verified to 6.45g (+/- wear) to ensure it is not a gold-plated counterfeit.
Origin & Maker
Kingdom of Italy; minted in Milan (indicated by the 'M' mint mark).
Era & Period
Kingdom of Italy (Vittorio Emanuele II Reign, 1861-1878); Victorian-era contemporary.
Age Estimate
Produced in 1871; approximately 153 years old.
Cultural Significance
Symbolizes the 'Risorgimento' (Italian unification). Gold coins like the 20 Lire were the foundation of international trade in Europe before WWI.
Condition Notes
Circulated / Very Fine (VF). Visible wear on high points of the hair and beard. Small scratches ('bag marks') present on fields. No major rim dings or evidence of cleaning.
Value Estimate
Primarily valued for its gold melt (~$450-480) with a numismatic premium of 5-15% depending on specific die variety and collector demand.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish as it removes the numismatic 'skin' and destroys value. Store in a PVC-free plastic capsule or archival flip to prevent further surface scratches.
Similar Items
French 20 Francs (Napoleon III/Ceres), Swiss 20 Francs (Vreneli), Belgian 20 Francs (Leopold II).
Interesting Facts
The 1871 Milan series had a semi-low mintage compared to later years. Vittorio Emanuele II was known as 'Padre della Patria' (Father of the Fatherland).