Those with a passion for antique markets certainly know how to navigate the incredible opportunities to make a fortune. We have written several times about the tenfold value of a few euros that were minted incorrectly and then became a precious commodity. The Italian numismatic tradition has in fact been enriched, over the years, with some coins that have become famous not for their beauty, but for the error of our minting. Today our editorial team points the index on the hunt for the old 500 Lire that are worth a fortune, but are not impossible to find.
The between caravels
The 500 Lire we are talking about are those in silver, also known as the “caravel” coin, from the design of the front, which depicts three caravels. They are very common coins, despite being almost 70 years old, because the circulation was consistent. Market stalls abound and many of us have inherited them from our grandparents. However, there is a small detail that distinguishes a part of them and makes some of them very precious.
The version in 1957
In 1957 ours State Mint coined a limited version of this coin, intended exclusively for the Honorable and Senators of the Italian Republic. In itself, the value could already have been high due to the fact of the limited edition. To highlight it and distinguish it from other coins of the same value and type, it reported the word “PROVA” under the left caravel and next to the L of Lire. And so far nothing strange. The mistake, which then turned into manna from heaven, refers to the image of the sails, which in this series resulted in the opposite direction to the wind. A detail known to numismatists, enthusiasts and connoisseurs, but not to all amateur traders of the markets.
Their value
It is appropriate to say that the hunt is open for the old 500 Lire that are worth a fortune, as we specify below:
a) 2,000 / 2,500 euros in the case of modest conditions;
b) 5,000 / 6,000 in case of good conditions;
c) 12,000 in the case of perfect uncirculated coins, kept intact.
Unfortunately, or fortunately, the error was discovered soon enough and the minting stopped. From 1958 to 1982 there are the following series, all without errors and of very limited value.
Deepening
This is why thousands of Italians are enjoying the single dish diet
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