Question about Italian 1997 200 lira coin

[mint_mark]

Hello Italian experts!

I have been sorting out some Italian coins... when I looked up the 1997 commemorative 200 lira coin (Italian naval league) in my 2003 copy of the Krause catalogue it says the mintage is only 36,000 and the value is $65 in unc.

Is it really that scarce? Surely not...

[kuhli]

It is common knowledge (at least over here in the US) that the 2003 Krause is to be avoided. It was the first issue printed from their computerized database, that is so riddled with mistakes, it is appalling that it was released in that condition. A major over-haul was done between the 2003 and the 2004 issues, and the '04 is much better, although there are still a number of errors remaining. I haven't gotten the '04 or '05 yet, and I didn't bother with the '03, so the latest edition I have is the '02. According to it (the 2002 edition), no mintage figures are given, but the value in UNC is $1.00.

I would be skeptical of the information in your '03. Maybe someone with the '04 or '05 will come along with better information.

[aleroit2000]

Hi,

according to my italian catalogue, mintage of 1997 200 liras is 40,000,000....

so it's very common and its value, in Unc, is 1 euro (or 1 $...).

The proof version value is 22 euros, but you can find it only in the official proof set of the italian mint. here the mintage is 8,440.

In general commemorative base metal coins are all very common

If you have other questions......

I'm here!

bye

[mint_mark]

Thank you Kuhli and aleroit,

What you say about the 2003 Krause makes a lot of sense, given the number of other mistakes I have found in it (misplaced or missing listings mostly). I do have the 2002 edition as well (thank goodness), but the 1997 is the last 200 lira listed in there and I supposed that the 2003 information would be better! They could have all been recalled or something...

Anyway, on a related note, has anyone seen the new 19th century catalogue? After the 2003 experience I am reluctant to spend that much before seeing some opinions on it...

Thanks again,