The presence of the Mole Antonelliana on some 1 euro cent coins is due to a minting error that occurred in 2002. They should depict the Castel del Monte di Puglia, as expected by the official design, however, due to a malfunction of the printing machine , an imprecise number of coins (estimated between 7,000 and 10,000 units) were printed with the effigy of the Mole Antonelliana of Turin, instead of the Castel del Monte.
Why did this error happen?
The precise causes of the error were never officially disclosed by the Italian Mint. However, there is speculation that an incorrect design was accidentally loaded into the press, or a technical problem caused the wrong image to be printed.
What makes these coins special?
Precisely because of their minting error, these 1 cent coins with the Mole Antonelliana are considered rare and coveted by collectors. Their rarity, combined with the fact that they represent an iconic symbol of Turin, makes them highly sought-after collector’s items.
Value and prices
The value of these coins can vary considerably, depending on several factors:
- Storage conditions: Coins with less wear and better preservation have a higher value.
- Certification: A coin certified by a renowned numismatic body increases its value and authenticity.
- Supply and Demand: The rarity of the coin and the interest of collectors influence its price.
There is a difference between the face value which is 1 euro cent and the collectible value which can vary greatly depending on its condition and the rarity of the specific issue.
As a reference, in May 2013 a specimen was auctioned by Bolaffi for 6,600 euros (rights included), while in April 2024 on eBay a coin appraised by R. Privato is on sale for 4,000 euros.
Here are some details
- Year of issue: 2002
- Face value: 1 euro cent
- Mintage: The precise number of coins minted with the error is not known, estimated between 7,000 and 10,000 units.
- 2 cent coins: The Mole Antonelliana is correctly depicted on the 2 euro cent coins.
What to do if you own one of these coins?
If you have a 1 cent coin with the Mole Antonelliana, don’t sell it hastily! I advise you to have it appraised by an expert numismatist to determine its real value and authenticity. An expert will also be able to help you find the best way to sell it at the right price.
