The Lira was the official currency of Italy from 1861 until the adoption of the Euro currency in 2002, but its origins go back even further to a period in the early 19th century when Napoleon’s France annexed portions of Northern Italy that became known as the Kingdom of Italy, or vainly, the Napoleonic Kingdom. The 40 Lire Italian Gold Coin is now available to you for purchase online from JM Bullion.
Coin Highlights:
- Coins arrive inside of protective plastic flips!
- Issued only between 1807 and 1814!
- Limited availability of circulated gold coins!
- Contains .3734 Troy oz of actual gold content.
- Issued a face value of 40 Lire by the Kingdom of Italy.
- On the obverse is a bust of Napoleon Bonaparte, also referred to as Napoleon I.
- The reverse includes the crowned shield with eagle.
When the forces of Napoleon’s French Empire annexed several regions in northern Italy, the emperor of Revolutionary-era France established what was briefly known as the Italian Republic. In 1805, he reformed the region as the Kingdom of Italy with himself, Napoleon I, reigning as King of Italy in the region.
Starting in 1807, 40 Lire Gold Coins were issued within the Kingdom of Italy that featured legends and portraits common to the French Francs Gold Coins, but with inscriptions in Italian rather than French. The 40 Lire Italian Gold Coins were produced by the Milan Mint during the seven-year period of availability.
On the obverse of 40 Lire Italian Gold Coins is a left-profile bust of Napoleon. The Kingdom of Italy existed in a personal union with the French Empire. Napoleon served as the head of state with a viceroy assigned to handle more day-to-day leadership of the kingdom. Inscriptions on this face include “Napoleone Imperatore e Re,” which translates into English as “Napoleon, Emperor and King.” You’ll also find a date mark and “M” mint mark from the Milan Mint on this side.
The reverse of 40 Lire Gold Coins features the crowned shield of the French Empire with an eagle behind the shield. The face value of the coin is inscribed on this side, along with the words “Regno D’Italia.”
These 40 Lire Italian Gold Coins are available to you for purchase in circulated condition. Each one was previously used during the early-19th century in the Kingdom of Italy. The coins are housed inside of protective plastic flips.
We encourage JM Bullion customers to call us with questions at 800-276-6508. You can also connect with us live online or simply send us an email with your inquiries.