Here is my example of the Quadriga Veloce 1 Lira (earlier style): I also have an example of the 20 centesimi in NGC-64 - such a pretty coin design:
I don't want to derail this thread from the topic at hand - but the masterful Italian artistry has persisted into the modern era also. The coin design below (first issued in 1958 and struck through 2001) is absolutely gorgeous in my opinion and the mintages of modern pieces are quite low. A lot of value in the Italian coinage - and they truly are like little metal masterpieces.
I have no problem expanding this thread. Italian coins are particularly beautiful. The 500 Lire coin continues the tradition of beauty, and artistry in the country’s coinage. US coins rarely have the same level of beauty. A lot of that may directly relate to Italy’s multi-century reverence for fine art, which is reflected in coinage.
Nice one!! Here's the 1917-R Lira. Probably the easiest GEM with this design to acquire, even super nice looking examples like this one are available for under $100. This one would likely grade higher if resubmitted now days. Doesn't make sense to waste the money on grading fees for such an inexpensive coin however.
Would love to have added a 1914-R Italy 5 Lire when they were still under 10 grand. Decent ones now trading for $15k and up. The 1911-R Italy 5 Lire is also a great coin, and with a considerably lower price point though still expensive compared to the smaller silver coins. An MS63 example worth about half what an MS64 is worth, --almost like a US coin.
Really beautiful coin. I've started collecting Italian coins recently and the 2L coins were the inspiration. Great looking coins and as others have stated really attractively priced.
Recently picked up this freakin' beauty! Wasn't sure of it being a genuine example as could not find any auction record or a past sale, but showed this to a few US Error coin dealers, who have replied in the affirmative! Probably unique as none of the Italian dealers or collectors or auction houses I contacted (over a dozen!) have ever seen a major mint error of a quadriga 2L. Please take a look at the pics and feel free to chime in with your opinions! Thank you, kindly.
Great coin. Have you gone onto Italian eBay and checked to see if these Italian error coins pop up. I do buy coins on Italian eBay but I'm looking for mostly 1700's Italian States coins. Currently is a good time to buy as the Dollar is strong vs the Euro at $1.08 US for one Euro.
Agree, I too have shifted from 20th century Italian to Italian States. There is no substitute for the satisfaction received owning something truly rare. In many cases only a dozen known of the type regardless of date, with the finest no better than AU.
Another Italian States issue, also from Tuscany. The better date of the 2-year only issue, they were first struck in 1827. Big gold, over an ounce AGW.