Italy (Kingdom of Napoleon Bonaparte) 20 Lire Gold Coin of 1809
Obverse: Head of Napoleon I as French Emperor and King of Italy.
Legend: NAPOLEONE IMPERATORE E RE (privy mark) 1809 M (privy mark)
Reverse: Crowned coat of arms with star above eagle with composite shield of the italian sub-states and order around.
Legend: REGON D´ITALIA / 20. LIRE
Mintage: 53,000 pieces only.
Mint Place: Milan (Italy)
Reference: Pagani 19, Schlumberger 15, Friedberg 7, KM-11.
Material: Gold (.900)
Diameter: 21 mm, Weight: 6.36gm
The kingdom of Italy was an artificial entity established by Napoleon as a buffer state against Austria. It consisted of Lombardy, Venetia, Modena, and Ancona of the Papal States. The actual ruler was Eugene de Beauharnais, stepson of Napoleon and viceroy of the kingdom.