2017-01-09 Mon

Umberto I, son of Victor Emmanuel II and Archduchess Adelaide of Austria was born on 14th March 1844 in Turin. He ascended the throne on 9th January 1878 after his father’s demise and adopted the title of “Umberto I of Italy” instead of ‘Umberto IV of Savoy’.

His reign saw Italy’s attempt at colonial expansion in Africa; they managed to gain Eritrea and Somalia in 1896. He also approved the triple alliance with Germany and Austria-Hungary. However, he was deeply loathed by leftists for his support to Bava-Beccaris Massacre in Milan and was murdered by Gaetano Bresci, an American anarchist on 29th July 1900.

This 20 Lire Gold Coin of Umberto I was issued by Italy from 1879-1897; we are referring to an 1891 coin here. The coin is 1.3mm thick and weighs 6.45gms. On the obverse is the bust of Umberto I facing left with 1891, year of issue struck under his bust. He is surrounded by a divided legend “UMBERTO I RE D’ITALIA” meaning ‘Umberto I King of Italy’ within a dotted circle.

On the reverse is Savoia crowned coat of arms decorated with the Collare dell'Annunziata and L (Lire) denomination on left and 20 (value) on right, all encircled by a wreath made of a branch of laurel and one of oak. Above the crowned shield is the Star of Italy and below the wreath on right is the mintmark; all within a dotted circle.