Expert: Brad Swain - 1/4/2010

Question
QUESTION: I have an old VATICAN PIE IX 20 LIRA NOW GOLD ORO on 1869... What would the value of this coin be...


ANSWER: Hi John, what are the Roman Numerals after MAX.A? It is either 23 or 24 indicating the year of his reign the coin was minted in. There were 54,000 of the 23s minted and 76,000 of the 24s.
This Papal States 20 Lire coin featuring Pope Pius IX (1846-78) should weigh 6.45 grams and would contain .1866 of an ounce of gold (currently about $205). Collector value may be worth about $400 with moderate wear to maybe $600 with light wear.
You might try Ebay.com for similar pieces for comparison.
You might also try a library for a copy of the Standard Catalog of World Coins for pictures, values and lots more interesting info.
The longest reigning pope: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Pius_IX
The Papal States: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papal_States
Brad

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you Brad for the help... The roman numerals on the coin are XXIV (24)... I did notice that on the front of the coin the word "Pius" seems to be spelt "Pivs" with a V and not a U is that normal for the coin... There seems to be very little wear on the coin and if I remember when I purchased it the dealer told me it was almost perfect... It has been in a round plastic holder since I got it and in a small plastic sleeve... If I do decide to sell it do you know of any reputable dealers in Tucson Arizona...

Answer
Hi John, the 23 and 24 dates have equal value.
Pius isn't misspelled in error. It is in the decorative Greco-Roman style popular at that time.
You might take it by a local coin shop for a first hand opinion: http://find.mapmuse.com/interest/coin_dealers
In addition to the price estimates already given, it may be worth about $1000 if uncirculated (no wear).
Brad