An Italy 20 Lire (Gold) contains 0.1867 troy oz of pure gold, worth $746.15 at today's spot price.
The Kingdom of Italy struck 20-lire gold coins to the Latin Monetary Union standard of 90% gold, the same as the French 20 francs. They were issued under Victor Emmanuel II, Umberto I and Victor Emmanuel III.
Melt values use these spot prices (US dollars):
- Gold $3,996.90 per troy oz Current quote · Quote time Oct 24, 11:09 PM EDT
Some prices could not be refreshed recently and may be out of date.
Melt value is the metal content at spot price, not a buy or sell price. Collectible coins can be worth much more. For reference only.
Specifications
| Years | 1861–1927 |
|---|---|
| Face value | 20 Lire |
| Composition | 90% gold |
| Gross weight | 6.452 g |
| Fineness | .900 (90%) |
| Pure metal | 0.1867 troy oz (5.806 g) |
How the melt value is worked out
Melt value is the pure gold in the coin multiplied by the spot price. We use the coin's standard minted weight; worn coins weigh slightly less.
-
6.452 g × .900 fine ÷ 31.1035 g per troy oz = 0.1867 troy oz
0.1867 troy oz × $3,996.90 spot = $746.15
How to identify it
- Victor Emmanuel II (1861–1878): bare head facing left; the reverse shows the crowned Savoy arms between laurel branches. Mint marks: T (Turin), M (Milan) or R (Rome).
- Umberto I (1879–1897): struck only at Rome, with the R mint mark on the reverse.
- Victor Emmanuel III: a heraldic eagle reverse (1902–1908), a woman with a plough (1910–1912, plus 1926–1927 pieces made for collectors) and a 1923 issue marking the first anniversary of the Fascist government.
Melt value vs. collector value
Common Victor Emmanuel II and Umberto I dates usually sell near their gold value. Victor Emmanuel III coins were made in small numbers and are worth well above melt, as are some early dates such as the Rome coins of 1870 and 1873. Counterfeits of the rare types are known.