20 Italian Lire
20 Lire (Oak Branch type)
Italy · 1957
A golden-hued bronze coin from the Italian Republic featuring a female head on the obverse and an oak branch on the reverse.
- Country
- Italy
- Year
- 1957
- Denomination
- 20 Italian Lire
- Metal
- Bronzital (Copper-aluminum alloy with nickel)
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Overview
A golden-hued bronze coin from the Italian Republic featuring a female head on the obverse and an oak branch on the reverse.
Historical significance
Introduced during the post-WWII 'Economic Miracle' era of the Italian Republic, this type replaced previous designs to facilitate daily transactions during a period of industrial growth.
Obverse (front)
A woman's head facing left (representing the Republic) with wheat stalks in her hair, surrounded by the legend 'REPUBBLICA ITALIANA'. Designer: Pietro Giampaoli (signed 'GIAMPAOLI' below the neck).
Reverse (back)
An oak branch with four leaves and an acorn, split by the denomination 'L. 20' and the date '1957', with the 'R' mint mark below the denomination.
Estimated value
$0.50-$2.00 in circulated condition; $10-$25 in Mint State (UNC)
What drives this coin's value
Condition is the primary factor. High-grade uncirculated examples with original luster are significantly more valuable than common circulated ones.
Grade assessment
Extremely Fine (XF). The coin shows minor circulation wear but retains high detail in the wheat stalks and oak leaves with a natural brown-gold patina.
Mintage & rarity
Common; approximately 70,800,000 minted in 1957.
Authenticity & counterfeit red flags
Check for the sharp details in Giampaoli's signature. Weight and diameter should be exact; Bronzital has a specific golden-brown tone that differs from pure brass.
Notable varieties & errors
The 1957 'Gambo Peloso' variety features tiny hairs on the stem of the oak branch; it is scarcer and more valuable than the common 'Gambo Liscio' (Smooth Stem) shown here.
Similar coins
The 1957 'Gambo Peloso' (Hairy Stem) variety and the 20 Lire from 1958 which is much rarer.
Care & preservation
Do not clean or polish, as this strips the original surface. Store in a non-PVC coin flip or holder to prevent 'Green Slime' damage.
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