-
Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 30044
Checkout
The Italy 100 Lire Gold coin, minted in 1931, is a striking example of Italian numismatic history from the early 20th century. The coin was issued as part of the Italian Kingdom's efforts to create a currency that would celebrate its national pride and history. It was struck to commemorate the establishment of the Kingdom of Italy and was part of a series of coins featuring prominent Italian symbols and figures. The 100 Lire coin represents the high value of gold currency during that period, symbolizing Italy’s strength and the growing prestige of the country on the global stage.
The obverse of the coin features a classic design that showcases an elegant portrait of the goddess Minerva, who was the Roman goddess of wisdom, craft, and war. Minerva is depicted in a profile view, adorned with a laurel wreath, which is often a symbol of victory. This design choice aligns with the classical heritage of Italy and reflects the nation’s connection to ancient Rome. The image of Minerva is highly detailed and is a representation of both strength and intelligence, two qualities the country sought to highlight during the time of its unification and imperial aspirations.
On the reverse side of the 100 Lire coin, there is an impressive depiction of an eagle, a symbol of power and majesty. The eagle is shown with its wings spread, signifying the might of Italy. Below the eagle is the inscription “REPUBBLICA ITALIANA” (Italian Republic), signifying the Italian state. Surrounding the eagle are the markings that denote the coin’s value, “100 LIRE,” as well as the mint year “1931.” This reverse design evokes both historical and modern Italian strength, with the eagle symbolizing Italy’s proud past and its aspiration for a glorious future.
The coin was minted by the Italian Mint, known for producing high-quality coins. The 100 Lire Gold coin is made from 90% gold and 10% copper, with a weight of approximately 32.26 grams, and a diameter of 37 mm. The minting process ensured that the coin’s surfaces were highly polished and the details of the design were crisp and clear. The quality of the strike and the gold content made this coin highly sought after by collectors of gold coins, especially those interested in Italian numismatics or world gold coins from the 20th century.
In terms of mintage, the 1931 100 Lire Gold coin is relatively scarce, with only a limited number of coins struck. While the exact number of coins minted is not definitively known, estimates place the figure at just over a million coins. This number is relatively small compared to some other coins of the time, making the 1931 100 Lire coin a highly collectible piece in today’s numismatic market. The limited mintage, combined with the historical significance of the coin and its elegant design, increases its desirability among collectors of both Italian and world gold coins.
The coin is typically found in either AU (About Uncirculated) or UNC (Uncirculated) condition, with examples in these grades retaining most of their original luster and design details. In AU-UNC condition, the coin may exhibit some signs of wear, particularly on the highest points of the design, but it still maintains a significant portion of its original beauty and value. Coins in this grade are highly prized by collectors due to their historical value, scarcity, and the quality of the design and craftsmanship. The high gold content also ensures that these coins retain substantial intrinsic value, making them a valuable asset to any collection.
As a piece of Italian numismatic history, the 1931 100 Lire Gold coin represents not only the country’s artistic and economic achievements but also its enduring legacy in the world of coinage. Its combination of historical design, quality minting, and precious metal content makes it an important coin for collectors of gold and world currency. Whether for its aesthetic appeal, historical significance, or potential for investment, the 1931 100 Lire Gold coin is a true testament to Italy’s place in the annals of coinage history.