1856 Kingdom of Sardinia 20 Lire Gold Coin, Victor Emmanuel II
Coin (Numismatic and Bullion) · Yellow Gold (Traditional 19th-century coinage alloy with copper)
Purity: 90% Gold (21.6K), .900 Fineness; Contains 0.1867 troy oz of pure gold
Type
Coin (Numismatic and Bullion)
Purity
90% Gold (21.6K), .900 Fineness; Contains 0.1867 troy oz of pure gold
Gold Type
Yellow Gold (Traditional 19th-century coinage alloy with copper)
Weight
6.45 grams (Standard weight for LMU 20 Lire/Francs)
Description
An exquisite 1856 gold 20 Lire coin featuring the profile of Victor Emmanuel II, King of Sardinia (later the first King of Italy). The obverse displays the King facing right with a prominent mustache and goatee, surrounded by the Latin legend 'VICTORIVS EMMANVEL II D. G. REX SARD. CYP. ET HIER.'
Key Features
Portrait by Giuseppe Ferraris; Latin title including 'King of Cyprus and Jerusalem'; Latin Monetary Union (LMU) standards
Color & Finish
Soft vintage yellow with light warm toning; natural luster with minor surface abrasions
Hallmarks & Stamps
Dated 1856; Mint mark 'P' in a circle (Turin/Torino) or 'B' (Genoa) typically located on reverse; 'F' mark for incisor
Dimensions Estimate
21mm Diameter; 1.3mm Thickness
Gemstones & Inlays
None; features high-relief numismatic engraving
Clasp & Closure
Reeded edge for security and to prevent clipping
Chain & Links
N/A; circular planchet construction
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-struck; die-engraved with fine detail in the hair and facial features; uniform reeding on the edge
Authentication Indicators
Sharpness of the dentils on the rim; 'F' signature below the neck; consistent weight-to-diameter ratio; period-correct alloy color
Origin & Maker
Kingdom of Sardinia; Turin Mint or Genoa Mint; Engraver: Giuseppe Ferraris
Era & Period
Risorgimento Era / Mid-19th Century European Monarchy
Age Estimate
Produced in 1856 (approx. 168 years old)
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Risorgimento' (Italian Unification) movement and the power of the House of Savoy
Condition Notes
Very Fine (VF) to Extremely Fine (EF); visible wear on hair highlights and beard; minor contact marks on fields; no major dings
Value Estimate
Melt value + 10-25% numismatic premium depending on exact grade and mint mark ($450 - $550 USD approx.)
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish; store in a PVC-free archival flip or capsule to prevent surface scratches
Similar Items
French 20 Francs (Napoleon III), Italian 20 Lire (post-1861), Swiss 20 Francs (Vreneli)
Interesting Facts
Victor Emmanuel II used this coinage to establish economic stability before the Unification of Italy in 1861; these coins were interchangeable with French 20 Francs