Italian Gold Coins
One of the most sought after Italian gold coins is the Italian 20 Lire Gold Coin - Umberto I.
The Lire was the foremost type of currency in Italy until 2002. For a number of years, it was considered a "subunit of an Euro," however, physical payments could only be made with lira until 2002, because there was no actual currency for a Euro until this time.
The Italian 20 Lire gold coin is a beautiful example of 19th century European coinage. King Umberto I, who is featured on this coin, took the throne of King of Italy in 1878 and ruled until he was assassinated in 1900. Before his reign as king, he served as Duke of Savoy.
The front of this breathtaking coin features a portrait of Umberto surrounded by the date and the Italian words Re D'Italia, which means King of Italy. The reverse side of the coin portrays the coat of arms and denomination (L. 20) surrounded by a very detailed wreath.
Before Umberto took the throne in 1878, coins in the area were generally minted in Turin, Genoa, Milan, and Rome. After his reign began, however, all coins, including the 20 Lire gold coin, were minted in Rome. A portion of these coins were minted in red gold in the year 1882. Although this piece is highly favored among collectors, the 1882 coins are some of the most sought after.
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