Did You Know? This 1 Euro Cent Coin Could Be Worth Nearly €7,000!

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The Coveted 1 Cent Euro Coin: Mole Antonelliana Edition

In the realm of numismatics, the 1 cent euro coin featuring the Mole Antonelliana instead of the Castel del Monte stands out as one of the most sought-after and valuable collectibles.

This minting error, which occurred in 2002, has resulted in an estimated hundred specimens circulating, giving it remarkable rarity.

The uniqueness of this coin has drastically inflated its value; in 2013, one example was auctioned for an astounding €6,600.

The Rise in Value

The 1 cent coin depicting the Mole Antonelliana has become a coveted piece for collectors.
Initially valued in the thousands, aggressive bidding at auctions led to the final price soaring to €6,600, reflecting an astonishing increase of 164% from the starting value.

The Minting Mistake Explained

The blunder occurred when some 1 cent coins were mistakenly minted with the image of the Mole Antonelliana, an emblem that should exclusively appear on 2 cent coins.
This discrepancy was unearthed by Bolaffi, a leading Italian numismatic firm, which spotted the inconsistency in several coin sets under their management.

As a result, the Guardia di Finanza promptly seized six kits containing these erroneous coins for investigation, which eventually led to a legal dispute between Bolaffi and the Mint Museum.

In 2013, the court ruling 1278/13 validated Bolaffi’s ownership, thereby allowing the company to auction these rare coins.

Auction Success and Market Reactions

The peak value for this coin was achieved during a Bolaffi auction on May 23, 2013.
The auction opened with a bidding price of €2,500.
During the event, numerous collectors engaged in intense bidding wars, propelling the final selling price 164% above the base price.

“This result exceeds our expectations,” stated Giulio Filippo Bolaffi, CEO of the Bolaffi Group.
“Being a relatively ‘young’ coin, this initial auction is significant for establishing its collectible value, and we anticipate that this success might prompt previous owners, who kept it hidden since 2002, to come forward and consider selling.”

Beware of Counterfeits

Due to its scarcity, this coin is particularly prone to counterfeiting.
Numerous fake specimens are circulating, especially online, emphasizing the importance of vigilance when buying or selling such unique items.

Given the limited number of authentic pieces, seeking validation from industry experts is crucial to ensure the piece’s genuineness.

Further Reading

For more information on rare coins, consider visiting Bollettino Numismatico.

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