August 2022 Coin of the Month: Italy

Wonderful World Money Blog’s Coin of the Month for August 2022 features the Italy 500 Lire (↗) minted in the year 1993. According to the Numismatic Guaranty Company’s online World Coin Price Guide powered by NumisMaster, this 83.5% silver coin contains 0.4027 ounces of silver and weighs 15 grams. This 500 Lire of 1993 celebrates the noble virtues of education as well as the 650th anniversary of the University of Pisa’s foundation.

The reverse prominently features the city of Pisa’s coat of arms and frames the world-renown Leaning Tower of Pisa within a scroll design. 41,000 coins were minted in uncirculated condition and 9,080 coins were minted in proof condition. Paradoxically, the lower mintage of the proof coin does not necessarily make it more valuable than the uncirculated version. As of August 29th, 2022, the average value of the uncirculated coin in Mint State 60 grade is $70 (U.S. Dollars); a proof coin with the grade of Proof 63 is valued on average at $60; and the silver-content value is $7.60.