Any idea if this is an Italian pattern? Bimetal and slightly larger than a 2 Euro.

I've had this since before the circulating Euro went current. As best I can tell, the inscription denotes a particular region in Italy just east of the Italian Riveria. The similarity to the current Euro design is remarkable on the obverse. Wondering if it is an official issue from the Rome mint or some sort of fantsy piece from a private mint. Naturally, I'm also wondering if its worth anything. Weighs 9.3 grams and has an aluminum-bronze ring and what appears to be an aluminum core. Smooth edge and unfortunately no date. Thanks in advance to anyone who knows something about it.

 

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Seems to be a fantasy piece of some sort, but, yes, definately italian.

Q

 

This is a pre-euro coin which could be used in shops, bars, etc. From Oct 1997 to Mar 1998 Italy issued some coinage like this to circulate. It's purpose was to get people used to the euro before it came out in 2002.Spain also did likewise, but I don't have the dates for them.

 

Your assessment of it being Italian is correct. The translation of the text is as follows:

Ecco L'Euro = "Look at the [new] Euro"

Comune di Sassello (Liguria) = "Municipality of Sassello, Region of Liguria".

Sassello is on the west-coast of Italy, not too far from Genoa. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sassello

Cool coin, and I can't image there are too many of these still floating around? But I don't think they made it into the Krause books...so I'm not sure.

 

Look at this site: http://yuri.no.sapo.pt/En/Euro/italy.htm and at the bottom you will seeSpecial Editions - Pre Euro. There are 5 coins that are the pre-euro's in Italy.

No mintages are shown on this page, but I would still keep them.

 

Thank you very much, that was very helpful. Especially like the Euro coin struck for Naples, very cool coin. I would say my coin looks as if it may have circulated for a short period of time. One of those coins that wasn't real expensive when I bought it and I've forgotten the details of how I came across it. Found one on eBay, different design but same series....,,,

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1999-Italy-...imetallic-Valevole-Presso-C-F-N-/110743581765

I'm kind of thinking $55 might be a little steep for it. I was thinking more like $15 unless there are hoards of collectors out there looking for it that I don't know about.