Expert: Dmitry Livshits - 8/26/2011

Question
QUESTION: I have an 1882 gold Umberto I Re D'Italia coin. It is in pristine condition with no scratches or scuff marks. Do you have any idea of its worth?  Thank you.

ANSWER: Hi Lisa,
I would need to know the denomination of the coin. The smaller 10 and 20 lire coins are fairly common and worth only a little over gold bullion value even in excellent condition. The larger 50 and 100 lire coins are much scarcer and go for big money in the condition you mentioned.
Look for something like L. 10, L. 20, L. 50 or L.100 on the coin.
Thanks for the question! =)

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

QUESTION: The denomination is 20 lire.  Can you explain what gold bullion value means and how much it might be worth?  Thanks so much!

Answer
Hi again Lisa,
Gold bullion value means literally "its weight in gold". In this case the coin has a little over .23 ounces of pure gold, but in the condition you mention would be worth a good 25% above that. Gold markets are pretty crazy nowadays, so the actual value of your coin changes constantly, though generally gold has been in the $1,700 to $1,800 per ounce range over this month.
Thanks again! =)