NGC-certified Italian Gold Coin Realizes Over $170,000

Collectors bid enthusiastically for one of the rarest Italian coins certified by Numismatic Guaranty Company™ (NGC®) in a December sale by a respected Italian firm, Aste Bolaffi. The only example certified in the NGC Census, this Italy 1906 Prova Gold 100 Lire graded NGC PF 65 (lot 965) realized €153,400 (about $173,400).

Italy 1906 Prova Gold 100 Lire graded NGC PF 65. Realized: €153,400 (about $173,400) Click images to enlarge.

Its obverse features a portrait of Victor Emmanuel III, who ruled Italy from 1900 until 1946. The reverse depicts a mythical Roman entity named Magna Mater, seen riding a chariot pulled by four lions. The word “PROVA” appears on the reverse, meaning this coin was not intended for circulation.

Other NGC-certified highlights from the sale included:

• an England 1670 5 Guineas graded NGC AU 58 (lot 1146) that realized €68,440 (about $77,400)
• an Italy 1902R Gold 20 Lire with Anchor graded NGC MS 64 (lot 788) that realized €49,678 (about $56,200)
• an Italy 1902R Gold 20 Lire graded NGC MS 63 (lot 787) that realized €47,200 (about $53,400)
• an Italy 1937R XVI 100 Lire graded NGC MS 64 (lot 824) that realized €37,761 (about $42,700)
• an Italy 1872R 100 Lire graded NGC MS 61 (lot 760) that realized €25,960 (about $29,200)
• an Italy 1903R 100 Lire graded NGC MS 61 (lot 791) that realized €14,160 (about $16,000)
• an Italy 1905R 100 Lire graded NGC MS 60 (lot 792) that realized €12,980 (about $14,700)

All prices realized include buyer’s premium. All dollar amounts are expressed in US Dollars.