Mark B. writes: HI! I’ve recently acquired three Vittorio Emanuele 100 lira gold coins dated 1939 — bearing the mark “x-ef” below the date on the reverse, and, of course, VEIII on the obverse. The reverse has an image of a rather large breasted woman standing on the prow of a boat, holding what looks to be a sheaf of grain and a hammer in her hands. I’ve searched COINSITE, as well as other sites, but can’t seem to discover anything about it. Can you help?
The coin you have described was struck from 1931-1933, weighs 8.799 grams of .900 fine gold (.2546 troy ounce pure gold). The bust of Victor Emanuele is facing left, VITTORIO*EMANVELE*III*RE, is around (King Victor Emanule III). The reverse shows a female figure on the prow of a boat to left. ITALIA is at left. L100 193_ _X -E-F is below the date. The IX is year 9 of the Fascist Dictatorship(1931) of Benito Mussolini. The subsequent coins are labeled X (1932) and XI (1933).
You report that the coin shows X-E-F, which would indicate a date of 1932. A “Roman”style 100 lira was produced in 1936 (XIV) in very small amounts (812 pieces) and a reduced weight piece of yet a different design, 5.19 grams, was produced in 1937 (XVI), 249 pieces.
There is no 100 Lira that was produced in 1939 even as a pattern (prova). Only two pieces were produced with the date 1940.
Value of 1932 100 Lira depends on grade (condition). Approximate value range: $400 – $1200+