I just bought this 1909R 1 Lira and was wondering what you thought the grade and valuse was?I think this was a low mintage.
[TABLE="class: efTable"] KM# 45 Denomination Lira Country [TD="width: 100%"]Italy[/TD] Government [TD="width: 100%"]Kingdom[/TD] Ruler [TD="width: 100%"]Vittorio Emanuele III[/TD] Coinage Type [TD="width: 100%"]Decimal Coinage[/TD] Mint [TD="width: 100%"]Rome[/TD] Composition [TD="width: 100%"]Silver[/TD] Fineness [TD="width: 100%"]0.835[/TD] Weight [TD="width: 100%"]5 g 0.1342 oz ASW[/TD] Description Obverse [TD="width: 100%"]Bust right[/TD] Description Reverse [TD="width: 100%"]Quadriga with standing female figure[/TD] Designer Reverse [TD="width: 100%"]Davide Calandra[/TD] [/TABLE] Mintage: 3,475,000 Numismaster.com values this coin at F = $15, VF = $50 Of course these are expected dealer prices. Also, I think this site tends to err on the high side for price values. Siberian Man probably hit the nail on the head with $12. Regards, -Kurt PS. Over $4 worth of silver so that's always a good thing too:thumb:
As a type, these early Lira coins with the obverse border inside the legends are much more scarce than the later 1915-1917 coins without the border. This is a coin that normally is seen no better than VG, and often times the nicer examples have rim nicks, stains or other problems. Your coin looks like a nice example, much nicer than average. I would say it's worth at least $35 probably $45 and maybe as much as $60 to the right collector. As for Krause, the valuation in the catalog is way off the mark. Which, as a practical matter, means you might encounter the coin priced below what its really worth if you keep your eyes open and watch for dealers who know nothing about Italian coins but have some for sale in their inventory. From a recent eBay auction: http://www.ebay.com/itm/ITALY-1-LIRA-1909-RARE-VITTORIO-EMANUELE-III-SILVER-/390376320237
It is really hard to accuratly grade given those pics, bad angle and too much glare, but IMHO it may go as high as AU, but definatly XF. As for value, I agree with Princeofwaldo. If you find one of these in that condition listed at $12.00, BUY IT!
The $10-12 dollar range pretty much hits the nail on the head. While a generally nice coin, they are plentiful out there. I have several 50's and 60's 500 liras that have more silver content and are worth slightly more.
