Rare NGC-certified Italian Gold Coin Stars in Aste Bolaffi Sale

A rare Italian gold coin from the reign of Victor Emmanuel III takes center stage in a sale presented by Aste Bolaffi, a respected Italian numismatic firm. The sale, Auction 40, features a variety of spectacular ancient and world coins certified by Numismatic Guaranty Company™ (NGC®). Online bidding is already underway and ends December 2-3, 2021.

Leading the auction is the Italy 1906 Prova Gold 100 Lire graded NGC PF 65 (lot 965), which is the only example certified in the NGC Census. The word “PROVA” appears on the reverse, meaning this coin was not intended for circulation. This stunning coin has a starting price of €100,000 (about $114,000 USD).

Italy 1906 Prova Gold 100 Lire graded NGC PF 65 Click images to enlarge.

Prominently displayed on the obverse is a portrait of Victor Emmanuel III, who ruled Italy from 1900 until 1946. The reverse shows a figure revered in the Roman Empire, the mythical Magna Mater (also known as Cybele), depicted here riding a chariot pulled by four lions.

Also being offered in the sale are two Gold 20 Lire coins featuring the same designs except for one key detail. The 1902R Italy Gold 20 Lire graded NGC MS 64 (lot 788) displays a small anchor in the legend surrounding the portrait of the king, while the nautical emblem is absent from the 1902R Italy Gold 20 Lire graded NGC MS 63 (lot 787). Each of the coins has a starting price of €40,000 (about $45,770 USD).

Italy 1902R Gold 20 Lire with Anchor graded NGC MS 64 Click images to enlarge.

Italy 1902R Gold 20 Lire graded NGC MS 63 Click images to enlarge.

Other NGC-certified highlights in the sale include:

• an Italy 1937R XVI 100 Lire graded NGC MS 64 (lot 824), with a starting price of €25,000 (about $28,600 USD)
• an England 1670 5 Guineas graded NGC AU 58 (lot 1146), with a starting price of €15,000 (about $17,150 USD)
• an Italy 1872R 100 Lire graded NGC MS 61 (lot 760), with a starting price of €14,000 (about $16,000 USD)
• an Italy 1903R 100 Lire graded NGC MS 61 (lot 791), with a starting bid of €10,000 (about $11,430 USD)
• an Italy 1905R 100 Lire graded NGC MS 60 (lot 792), with a starting price of €10,000 (about $11,430 USD)
• an Italy 1957R Prova Silver 500 Lire graded NGC SP 63 (lot 973), with a starting price of €10,000 (about $11,430 USD)
• an Italy 1855Eagle B Sardinia 2 Lire graded NGC MS 64 (lot 721), with a starting price of €8,500 (about $9,720 USD)

All starting prices are provided by the auction house.