Rare 200 Lire – Discover the Value of 200 Lire

The 200 lire coin was introduced in Italy in 1977. Made of Bronzital, it featured a design with a cogwheel and an allegorical profile. It remained in circulation until the arrival of the euro in 2002. Today, some minting variants are sought after by collectors for their value.

From 1977, the first 200 Lire coin was minted using Bronzital. This is the 200 Lire “Lavoro”, probably the most recognizable coin of this series. The gear engraved on the coin symbolized work and the fundamental importance of industry in Italy at the time.

The most interesting coin from a collector's perspective is the rare 200 lire PROVA from 1977. In fact, the coin is classified as a rare coin R.

It was initially minted as a proof version, with a mintage of 1,500 pieces, which later became the definitive version. It is distinguished by the presence of the small inscription PROVA on the reverse of the coin. A rare lira in every sense.

It is this proof version of the 200 lire from 1977 that has the highest market value in the world of collecting.

Value | 200 Lire Rare 1977 PROVA

Since only 1,500 pieces were minted, a tiny number compared to the 15,900,000 two-hundred lire coins issued throughout 1977, the value of these particular rare 200 lire can be very high.

• Of course, the condition of the coin determines its final value, so for a 200 lire Lavoro proof version in qFDC or FDC quality, it can reach €850. If in SPL (Splendid) quality, the value naturally decreases, settling around €400.

Given the very limited mintage, it is rare to come across these rare proof 200 lire. That said, it is always good to take a close look at the 200 lire from 1977 that we still have at home or that we might find with a metal detector; a surprise is always possible!

On the obverse of this first 200 lire coin is represented a woman's head looking to the right, with the signature of the author M. Vallucci at the bottom and the inscription REPUBLIC OF ITALY on the outer part. On the reverse, the value 200 LIRE is shown within a gear symbolizing work, hence the name 200 lire Work, while at the bottom the mint mark R and the year of minting are indicated.

Value of the 200 lire 1977

• Although the 200 lire 1977 are the first issued, they are not classified as rare coins, but rather as common coins due to the high mintage. For this reason, their current value, depending on the condition, is about 0.50€.

200 Lire 1978 – Half Moon

In 1978, the 200 lire Work continued to be issued with a mintage of 461,034,000 pieces, so the value of the 200 lire 1978 is not very high, about 3€ if BU. An exception to these low prices is the famous two hundred lire “half moon under the neck. But what is it about?

Due to a flaw in the minting, some of the 200 lire from 1978 feature a small half moon on the obverse, under the neck of the depicted woman.

This minting error, as is often the case, increases the value of these particular two hundred lire coins. In 1978, there were even two breaks in the die at the same point, resulting in 200 lire “half moon” of two types but with the same value.

Value | 200 lire 1978 – Half Moon

• A 200 lire 1978 half moon in BB quality already reaches a value of 60€.
• The value rises to 110€ if Spl
• And about 200€ for those few coins in BU.

200 Lire 1979

As for the 200 lire 1979 Work, these were regularly minted in 437,325,000 pieces. However, it seems that there are 3 variants:

• The “Normal”
• The “Without Signature“, some specimens are indeed missing the engraver's signature.
• The “Bald Head” may be due to two different errors: wear of the die or obstruction of the die, errors quite common for the type of presses used.

Therefore, one must be careful not to confuse a normal coin from 1979 with the head worn from circulation with the aforementioned minting error.

Value | 200 lire 1979

• A 200 lire 1979 Bald Head in BU quality can reach high prices, even though its actual value is around 140€.
• The 200 lire from 1979 Without Signature of the engraver are worth 90€.

Table with the values of the 200 Lire

This is the table highlighting the values and mintages of the 200 lire Work coins year by year from 1977 to 2001. The table includes both rare coins and common coins, minting errors, and variants. The value of the coin is to be understood in Brilliant Uncirculated unless otherwise indicated in parentheses. The mint for all coins is that of Rome.

Here we are with the 200 Commemorative Lire, there are several and all minted between 1980 and 1999. (Do not confuse with the 200 Commemorative Lire in Silver)

The Two Hundred Commemorative Lire have been dedicated over the years to various Military, Political, and Cultural institutions:

• 1980 – 200 lire FAO
• 1981 – 200 lire Nutrition
• 1989 – 200 lire Arsenal of Taranto
• 1990 – 200 lire Council of State
• 1992 – 200 lire Thematic Philately
• 1993 – 200 lire Air Force
• 1994 – 200 lire Carabinieri
• 1996 – 200 lire Guardia di Finanza
• 1997 – 200 lire Naval League
• 1999 – 200 lire Artistic Heritage of the Carabinieri

200 Lire 1980 – FAO

In 1980, the first of the two hundred commemorative lire coins was minted, with a mintage of 48,242,728 pieces. The 200 Lire 1980 FAO is dedicated to the International Women's Day. On the Obverse of this two hundred lire coin, the bust of Maria Montessori is depicted with the engraver's signature Sergio Giandomenico below, and the inscription REPUBLIC OF ITALY around it.

On the Reverse, there is an image of a woman with a child reading a book, with the year 1980 behind them. The background features meridians and parallels, and a shovel is placed near the woman. The value indication and the inscriptions VALUATION OF WOMEN at the top and FAO at the bottom are also present.

Value | 200 lire 1980

• This two hundred lire commemorative 1980 FAO was indeed minted on the occasion of the International Women's Day and FAO activities. However, these two hundred lire, even in good condition, have a price of 2€.

200 Lire 1981 – Nutrition

In 1981, the 200 lire 1981 Nutrition was issued, another two hundred lire commemorative in bronzital, in this case on the occasion of the International Day of Nutrition and FAO activities. On the Obverse, the engraver Guido Veroi depicted Villa Lubin, the headquarters of the National Institute of Agriculture with the inscription REPUBLIC ITALY and a star at the bottom center. On the Reverse, there is an image of a woman with a cornucopia surrounded by symbols related to agriculture and the inscription WORLD FOOD DAY – 16 OCT – FAO.

Value | 200 lire 1981 Nutrition

• The 200 Lire 1981 Nutrition has a value in FDC of 2€.

200 Lire 1989 – Arsenal of Taranto

We have to wait until 1989 to find a new 200 lire commemorative coin in bronzital. The 200 Lire 1989 Arsenal of Taranto was issued on the occasion of the First Centenary of the Naval Arsenal of Taranto. It features the usual face of a woman on the Obverse of the 200 lire.

On the Reverse of this Italian 200 lire coin, a clipper is depicted; some claim it is the “Amerigo Vespucci,” while others say it is a generic vessel. Additionally, the buildings of the Arsenal of Taranto are shown. Above the design are the dates 1889-1989 and around the outside, the inscription CENTENARY OF THE NAVAL MILITARY ARSENAL OF TARANTO.

Value | 200 lire 1989

• The price of the 200 Lire 1989 Arsenal of Taranto, if in perfect condition, is around 2€.

200 Lire 1990 – Council of State

In 1990, on the occasion of the centenary of the IV section of the Council of State, a new two hundred lire commemorative coin in bronzital was issued.

On the Obverse, the usual female head is depicted. On the Reverse, the seat of the Council of State, Palazzo Spada, is engraved, with the inscriptions COUNCIL OF STATE at the top, IV SECTION and 1890-1990 at the center above the roof of the palace, L. 200 at the bottom center with the R of the Mint of Rome above and the engraver's signature DRIUTTI. below.

Value | 200 lire 1990 – Council of State

• The 200 lire 1990 Council of State is worth 2€ in FDC.

200 Lire 1992 – Thematic Philately

On the occasion of the World Exhibition of Thematic Philately in Genoa, in 1992, a new bronzital 200 lire commemorative coin, the 200 lire 1992 Thematic Philately, was issued.

The Obverse does not change compared to the normal circulating 200 lire. Meanwhile, on the Reverse, the central part of the coin is divided into two semicircles. In the upper semicircle, against a striped background, three sails stand out. In the lower semicircle, the stylization of three waves with the date 1992 and the R of the Mint of Rome on the left, and the signature of the Author GROSSI on the right. Below is the inscription GENOVA '92 and around it the inscription WORLD EXHIBITION OF THEMATIC PHILATELY L. 200.

Value | 200 lire 1992 – Thematic Philately

• The value of these 200 lire 1992 Philately is around 2€.

200 Lire 1993 – Air Force

The 200 lire of 1993 are dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the Air Force. The 200 Lire 1993 Air Force is also made of bronzital.

On the Obverse, it depicts the face of the circulating two hundred lire coins. On the Reverse, the coin is divided into four quadrants, within which are depicted the coats of arms of the first four squadrons formed during the First World War. The inscription on the outside reads 70° AIR FORCE 1923-1993.
Inside the lower left quadrant, the year 1993 and the R of the Mint of Rome are engraved, along with the signatures of the authors ZANELLI and GROSSI.

Value | 200 lire 1993 – Air Force

• Like the other commemorative 200 lire coins, the 200 Lire 1993 Air Force is worth 2€.

200 Lire 1994 – Carabinieri

The 200 Lire 1994 Carabinieri entered circulation in 1994 to celebrate the 180th anniversary of the Carabinieri. Minted in bronzital like the others.

On the Obverse, the face of the Republic of Italy of the two hundred lire is engraved. In the center of the Reverse of this coin is represented the coat of arms of the Carabinieri, the inscription in Roman numerals CLXXX and the motto IN CENTURIES FAITHFUL. On the outside, the inscription ARM OF THE CARABINIERI and the dates 1814 – 1994 are shown.

Value | 200 lire 1994 – Carabinieri

• The 200 Lire 1994 Carabinieri has a price of about 2€.

200 Lire 1996 – Guardia di Finanza Academy

We have arrived at the 200 commemorative lire of 1996 for the centenary of the Guardia di Finanza Academy. The 200 Lire 1996 Guardia di Finanza Academy are made of bronzital.

On the Obverse, the Royal Palace of Caserta, the first headquarters of the Academy, and the current headquarters in Bergamo are represented, separated by a ribbon with the inscription REPUBLIC ITALY. At the bottom of the coin is the engraver's signature DRIUTTI. On the Reverse, the coin is also divided into two parts by a ribbon with the value L.200 printed on it. In the lower part, there is a cap and a dagger, while in the upper part, the coat of arms of the Guardia di Finanza with the date 1896 is found. On the outer part of these 200 lire, the inscription CENTENARY OF THE GUARDIA DI FINANZA ACADEMY and a star can be read.

Value | 200 lire 1996 – Guardia di Finanza

• The 200 Lire 1996 Guardia di Finanza costs 2€.

200 Lire 1997 – Italian Naval League

The 200 Lire 1997 Italian Naval League are minted in bronzital for the 100th Anniversary of its foundation, which took place in 1897.

On the Obverse of the commemorative coin of 200 lire of 1997, the usual female profile returns. Meanwhile, on the Reverse, the Coat of Arms of the Italian Naval League is represented with a clipper sailing in the background with the symbol of the Mint of Rome R on the right. On the sides are the dates 1897 and 1997, at the bottom left 200 and on the right LIRE.
At the top right is the signature of Ettore Lorenzo Frapiccini, the designer.

Value | 200 lire 1997 – Italian Naval League

• The 200 Lire 1997 Naval League is currently worth 3€.

200 Lire 1999 – Carabinieri

The 200 Lire 1999 Artistic Heritage of the Carabinieri is the last two hundred lire commemorative coin to be minted. It was dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the Artistic Heritage Protection Unit of the Carabinieri.

The Obverse features the profile of a woman from the circulating 200 lire facing left and the inscription REPVBBLICA ITALIANA with the signature of the author M. VALLUCCI below. On the Reverse of this coin, the coat of arms of the Carabinieri and the David by Donatello are depicted. The inscription in an arch, on two lines, reads: CARABINIERI – PROTECTION OF ARTISTIC HERITAGE.
Above are the dates 1969 – 1999 and below is the value of L.200.

Value | 200 lire 1999 – Carabinieri

• The 200 Lire 1999 Artistic Heritage of the Carabinieri is worth 4€.

Table with the value of all the 200 Commemorative Lire

Here is the table with all the values and the mintage of the Commemorative 200 Lire divided by year.