DAVE S. writes: I found a coin dated 1856 DEI GRATIA REX and FERDINANDVS II with a picture of a man with a beard. On the other side is G.120 and REGNI VTR. SIC. ET HIER with a crown and shield on this side. What do I have and what might its value be?
The coin is an Italian States issue from Naples & Sicily. It is a crown sized coin of 120 Grana and features the head of a bearded King Ferdinand II (1830-1859) facing right.
The obverse Latin legend is: FERDINANDVS II DEI GRATIA REX (Ferdinand II, King by the Grace of G-d…. The legends continue on the reverse: REGNI VTR.SIC ET HIER (…of the kingdom of the Two Sicilies and Jerusalem). The center design shows an ornate crown over the family crest.
Value depends on condition. There are also collectors for varieties of this coin. Approximate Value Range: $15 – $100
