Sardinian 20 Lire
Italy
1820–1861
Reference data compiled from public catalogs
Estimated Melt Value
$898.00
Based on Gold spot price ($4,811.51/oz) · 90.0% purity · 6.45g
Updated 9:52 AM
Collector premium not included
Specifications
| Country | Italy |
| Years Minted | 1820–1861 |
| Composition | 0.900 gold |
| Weight | 6.45 g |
| Diameter | 21 mm |
| Shape | Round |
Design
Obverse
Features the portrait of the reigning monarch, such as Charles Albert or Victor Emmanuel II.
Reverse
Depicts the coat of arms of the Kingdom of Sardinia.
History & Notable Facts
The Sardinian 20 Lire gold coin was struck to the same weight and fineness as the French 20 Francs, easing its use in international commerce during a turbulent era.
This made it a practical choice for merchants navigating Napoleonic aftermaths and early Italian unification efforts. The obverse typically bore the portrait of the reigning monarch, like Charles Albert after 1831, while the reverse featured the Savoyard coat of arms. Variations existed depending on the mint, primarily Turin, but records of exact outputs are spotty—many were lost in 19th-century archival fires.
Not every year saw production; gaps occurred due to wars or economic shifts. I've examined dozens over the years, noting wear that speaks to heavy circulation.
Some collectors confuse it with French issues, which isn't surprising given the parallels.
Buy on eBay
AI Analysis & Price Prediction
The Sardinian 20 Lire has shown consistent appreciation over the past decade. Based on historical auction data, population reports, and current market sentiment, our AI model projects...
Get AI-powered analysis for this coin
Unlock with Pro — $9.99/mo