Italian Lire Gold Coins
Italian 20 Lire Umberto I Gold Coin
90% Purity / 22 Karat / Gold Content – 0.1867 Troy Oz. / Diameter 21 mm
Italian Lire gold coins date back to the reign of Charlemagne, around 800ad. During this period Italy was divided amongst States, and many of them used the lire coins as currency until Italy completely united as one country in 1871 (although a couple area’s still remained not fully unified until after WWI). Lire gold coins were minted in 20, 40, 50 & 100 coin denominations. The Italian 20 Lire Umberto I gold coin is a beautiful addition of historic 19th century European gold coinage. With a diameter of 21mm, the size of the Italian 20 Lire gold coin is very comparable to the Swiss Franc, British Sovereign & French Franc gold coins. The way the coin was struck gives it a beautiful historic looking finish, while composed of a 90 percent gold content.
ABOUT THE COIN
The 20 Lire ‘Umberto I’ gold coin was introduced in 1879. Small amounts of red gold was used in minting the coin in the year 1882. The Umberto I was minted until 1897.
The obverse side of the coin features the bust of Umberto I, who served as King of Italy from 1878 until his death by assassination in 1900 (see below for history of Umberto). On the left side of Umberto I around the coin features his name ‘UMBERTO I’. On the right side of the coin reads ‘RE D’ITALIA’. Below the bust of Umberto I is the year of mintage for each individual coin.
The reverse side of the coin displays the Italian Coat of Arms, surrounded by a wreath. On the left side is the letter ‘L’ for Lire. On the right side is the coins denomination 20.
ABOUT THE DESIGN: UMBERTO I
Umberto Ranieri Carlo Emanuele Giovanni Maria Ferdinando Eugenio di of Savoy) was born in March 1844 in Turin, Italy. He was son to Victor Emmanuel II and Archduchess Adelaide of Austria. Receiving a high level of education throughout his youth, he entered the Sardinian army at the rank of Captain. During his military campaign he fought in the Italian Wars of Independence, including commanding several battles. Upon the death of his father in 1878, Umberto I rose to the thrown of King, which he remained in power of until his death by assassination in 1900 at the age of 56.
