500 Lira Coin Appraisal

Italian 500 Lira Bimetallic Coin Pendant

This item is a numismatic jewelry piece featuring an authentic Italian 500 Lira bimetallic coin set within a decorative bezel. The coin itself, produced by the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato (Italian Mint) between 1982 and 2001, features a golden-bronze 'Acmonital' center with a silver-colored stainless steel outer ring. The obverse side shown depicts a wing-headed representation of the Repubblica Italiana, a classic motif in modern Italian coinage. The coin is secured by four metal prongs within a plain, circular mounting frame that transitions into a small jump ring at the top for suspension on a chain. Regarding its condition, the piece shows significant evidence of wear and age. The outer bezel and the coin's surface exhibit heavy tarnishing, oxidation, and a dark patina, particularly around the edges and the mounting hardware. There are visible surface scratches and some loss of definition in the high-relief areas of the profile image, suggesting the coin was in circulation before being mounted. The craftsmanship is functional rather than high-end, as evidenced by the simple prong-set construction. This style of 'souvenir' jewelry was popular in the late 20th century before the transition to the Euro in 2002.