Watch List notes:

ITALY. Octet of 20 Lire (8 Pieces), 1881-R. Rome Mint. Umberto I. All NGC MS-64 Certified.
Fr-21; KM-21. AGW: 1.4936 oz (total). Each of these dazzling near-Gems--featuring a special insert bearing the colors of the Italian flag as well as a depiction of the Leaning Tower of Pisa--exhibit great brilliance, with many offering a delightful prooflike nature.

One of the earlier gold issues from the still newly-created kingdom of a unified Italy, these 20 Lire serve as a symbol of unity and prosperity, and were readily embraced within international commerce. On the obverse, one encounters the bust of Umberto I, the son of Italy's first king, Vittorio Emanuele II, while, on the reverse, the Italian coat-of-arms takes center stage, with a radiant star above and within a wreath composed of laurel and oak branches.

Estimate: $2600 - $3400