Sell a silver 500 lire Caravelle
The Italian silver 500 lire with Columbus’s three caravels. In circulation from 1958 to the end of the 1960s, and struck in annual sets after that.
- Purity
- 835‰
- Country
- Italy
- Silver rate
- €1.75/g
What do we pay for a silver 500 lire Caravelle?
Based on the silver rate of this moment, €1.75 per gram of fine material. As of:
| Variant | Fine silver | Total weight | We pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 lire | 9.185 g | 11 g | €15.40 |
This price applies regardless of the year and the mint. With a rare year or exceptional condition the collector’s value can be higher than the material value – then we say so, even if that means you are better off not selling us the coin.
How we arrive at this amount
A coin is precious metal in a recognisable shape. What it fetches therefore depends almost entirely on the fine weight: the weight of pure silver it contains.
This coin is 835‰ pure. The rest of the alloy – usually copper – makes it harder and scratch-resistant, but has no value. That is why we calculate on the fine weight and not on what the scales say.
The reverse shows Columbus’s three ships: the Niña, the Pinta and the Santa Maria. The obverse a Renaissance-style female head.
Not sure whether your coin is genuine? We check weight, diameter, thickness and – if in doubt – the density with X-ray analysis. Non-destructive: your coin stays intact.
Also have a look at today’s silver rate or all silver prices.
Columbus in your purse
Italy introduced the 500 lire in 1958 as ordinary money, with Columbus’s three ships on the reverse. When the coin disappeared from daily use, Italy kept striking it for collectors for years, so they turn up in every condition: worn from a purse or gleaming from an annual set.
What we check
We weigh and measure the coin and test the fineness. Ordinary examples we settle on 9.185 grams of fine silver. Special varieties, including trial strikes, we look at separately.
How to sell your silver 500 lire Caravelle
From walking in to being paid usually takes less than half an hour.
Do not polish it
With collector coins, cleaning can push the value down considerably. A natural patina belongs to them.
Bring it in
With or without an appointment, at one of our 45 locations. If the coin is in a holder, leave it in there.
We assess two values
The precious metal and what the coin itself does: year, mintage and condition. You get the higher of the two.
Paid out straight away
In cash or by bank transfer. Larger amounts reach your account within 24 hours.
Also of interest
- Silver rate todayThe current silver rate per gram and per kilo, updated every minute.View
- All silver pricesWhat we pay per carat or alloy.View
- All coins and barsThe complete list of purchase prices per piece.View
- Spot price, premium and spreadWhy you never get back the premium you paid on purchase.View
Questions about selling silver 500 lire Caravelle
How much silver is in a 500 lire?
The coin weighs 11 grams and is 835 silver: 9.185 grams of fine silver.
Are all 500 lire silver?
No. Later 500 lire are bimetallic without silver. Only the Caravelle and some commemoratives contain silver.
Do you also buy other Italian silver coins?
Yes, such as the 1000 lire and commemoratives. We test every coin and settle on the silver.
Do I need an appointment?
It is not required. With an appointment, though, a valuer is ready for you straight away.
Is your question not listed? Ask it below, call 085 060 3009 or go to contact.
A question about silver 500 lire Caravelle?
Ask it here. You will receive a personal reply by email, usually within one working day – no automated message and no phone call you did not ask for.
- An answer from a valuer, not from a template
- We keep your question so that you need not repeat anything
- No sales pitch afterwards
Sources
Where you can verify what you have just read.
- Koninklijke Nederlandse MuntThe mint that struck the Dutch coins and knows their fineness
- De Nederlandsche BankOn the guilder and exchanging old legal tender
- WaarborgHollandThe Dutch assay office that verifies fineness and strikes hallmarks
Have your silver 500 lire Caravelle valued?
Free and without obligation, at a location near you.