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Buy
Pure silver bars 999, investment bullion coins from major mints (Vienna Philharmonic, Britannia, Maple Leaf, American Eagle), Italian and international commemorative issues, historical numismatic coins.
Cicala Jewellers · Since 1950
Investment silver and collectible coins
Pure silver bars, international bullion, IPZS limited edition issues and Italian numismatic coins. We buy, sell and highlight the latest releases from mints around the world to those who subscribe to our preferential list.
2 locations in Genova Pegli · Centre
Banca d'Italia no. 5009931 Professional Gold Operator
In-house experts Numismatics and appraisal
Silver quotation
Pure silver 999
— €
per gram
1 troy ounce (31.10 g) — €
1 kilogram — €
Updated in real-time
Third-party
What we offer
Three ways to access the world of investment silver and numismatic collecting. Each with the advice of our in-house experts and the guarantee of a company registered Banca d'Italia for over seventy years.
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Get notified
Subscribe to the preferential list: we will contact you personally when a mint announces an issue of interest to you. Many modern coins have mintages of just a few thousand pieces and sell out in a few hours.
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Sell and get appraised
We buy gold, silver and other metal coins: bullion, historical issues, 500 lire silver, Kingdom lire, coins of the Duchy of Genova, Maritime Republics, Papal State. Always subject to authenticity verification in our laboratory.
Italian icon
500 Lire Caravelle silver
Silver 835‰ (83,5%)
Weight 11 grams
Fine silver 9.185 grams
Diameter 29.3 mm
The only silver coin of the Italian Republic intended for ordinary circulation
Minted by the Rome Mint from 1958 to 1967 — design by Guido Veroi on the reverse (the three caravels sailing) and by Pietro Giampaoli on the obverse (Renaissance female bust surrounded by the coats of arms of the regional capitals). After 1967 production was halted because the intrinsic value of silver had surpassed the nominal value: citizens began to keep them instead of spending them.
Circulated Caravelle BB-SPL · 1958-1967 · value linked to fine silver
— € if you buy
— € if you sell to us
Caravelle Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) Never circulated, from 1958 to 1967 in mint series
On evaluation
Caravelle "Prova" 1957 Flags against the wind · 1,004 pieces · extremely rare
4.000+ € appraisal required
The purchase quotation for common Caravelle is updated based on the silver quotation of the day. If you own a Caravelle "Prova" from 1957 or a piece with special features, book an appointment: the evaluation is free and without obligation.
The Angel 2026 · 1 oz silver 999.9 · Royal Mint, proof edition in limited mintage
Collectible coins
Limited editions, designer creations, value that grows over time
Collectible coins are a universe apart from simple bars. Each issue tells a story: a historical anniversary, a character, a work of art, a sporting event. They are minted in limited editions — often just a few thousand pieces — with elaborate minting techniques (proof, reverse proof, colourations, inserts).
Their value does not depend solely on the precious metal content, but also on rarity, condition, serial number, presence of certificate and original box. For many issues, the price on the secondary market already exceeds the issue price by 30-50% in the months following sell-out.
The mints we regularly work with: IPZS (Italy), Royal Mint (UK), Münze Österreich (Austria), Royal Canadian Mint (Canada), US Mint (USA), Perth Mint (Australia), Monnaie de Paris (France), Casa de Moneda (Spain).
Investment bullion
Silver coins from major mints
The most internationally recognised investment silver coins. Pure silver 999 or 999.9 / 1000, standard weight 1 troy ounce (31.1 grams), guaranteed by the issuing mints. Liquidable in any market worldwide.
🇦🇹 Austria
Vienna Philharmonic
Silver 999 · 1 oz · Münze Österreich · Face value €1.50. The only official silver coin denominated in euros issued by a European state. Minted annually since 2008.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Britannia
Silver 999.9 · 1 oz · Royal Mint · Depicts Britannia, allegory of the United Kingdom. Among the most sought-after European bullion, design periodically revised.
🇨🇦 Canada
Maple Leaf
Silver 999.9 · 1 oz · Royal Canadian Mint. National maple leaf, "Bullion DNA" anti-counterfeiting system laser engraved. Among the highest purity in the world.
🇺🇸 United States
American Silver Eagle
Silver 999 · 1 oz · United States Mint · One of the most traded silver coins in the world. Classic Walking Liberty design, in production since 1986.
🇿🇦 South Africa
Silver Krugerrand
Silver 999 · 1 oz · Rand Refinery. Silver version of the iconic South African coin. Retains the original 1967 design, highly recognizable.
🇦🇺 Australia
Kangaroo / Kookaburra / Lunar
Silver 999.9 · 1 oz · Perth Mint. Thematic series with a renewed design every year: Lunar (Chinese zodiac), Kookaburra, Kangaroo. Limited editions make them interesting also from a numismatic point of view.
Bullion coins are available on order. Ask us for the daily quote or subscribe to the preferential list to be notified about new annual issues (Philharmonic 2027, Britannia, etc.).
Pure silver 999
Silver bars
Certified bars produced by both LBMA Good Delivery refineries (Argor-Heraeus, Italpreziosi, Umicore) and trusted Italian foundries, selected for high standards of quality, purity, and control. Sizes from 1 ounce to 1 kilogram. Prices calculated on the real-time updated spot silver price.
| Size | If you buy | If you sell | ||
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| Net | VAT 22% | Gross | ||
| 1 ounce | — | — | — | — |
| 50 grams | — | — | — | — |
| 100 grams | — | — | — | — |
| 250 grams | — | — | — | — |
| 500 grams | — | — | — | — |
| 1 kilogram | — | — | — | — |
Indicative prices including VAT, updated to the current silver quote. VAT at 22% is applied to silver bars (unlikeinvestment gold, exempt). For significant quantities, contact us for a personalized quote.
Limited editions · Preferential notice
2026 issues and mint novelties
We closely follow the calendars of IPZS Rome, Royal Mint, Münze Österreich, Royal Canadian Mint, US Mint, Perth Mint, and others. When a mint announces an interesting issue, we personally notify those who have subscribed to our preferential list — many pieces are released in just a few thousand copies and disappear within hours of the reservation opening.
See the coins available now in store →
Italy · IPZS 2026
€3 Riccardo Muti
Silver proof · only 3,500 pieces. Dedicated to the Italian conductor, a symbol of the country's musical culture.
Italy · IPZS 2026
€25 · 1 kg silver Colosseum
One kilogram of pure silver 999 in the form of a coin-sculpture. Among the most impressive Italian issues of recent years for size and artistic detail.
Italy · IPZS 2026
Ferrari 499P silver triptych
Three reverse proof coins dedicated to Ferrari, the 2025 Endurance world champion. A tribute to excellence in Made in Italy.
Italy · IPZS 2026
Milan-Cortina Olympics
Commemorative series in gold, silver, and bimetal for the Winter Olympic Games. Coins of 4 €, 5 €, 10 €, and higher denominations, various proof and reverse proof versions.
Austria · Münze Österreich 2026
Vienna Philharmonic
2026 edition of the iconic Austrian bullion. Silver 999, 1 ounce, classic design of orchestra instruments. Available in single format, tube of 20, and box of 500.
United Kingdom · Royal Mint 2026
Silver pound Charles III
Proof edition dedicated to the sovereign. One of the first issues with the new royal portrait, of great interest for collectors as well as for investment.
We sell · We evaluate · We buy
Historic Italian coins
For almost a century in Genova, we have dealt with coins from the Kingdom of Italy, the Italian Republic, pre-unification states, the Duchy of Genova, and the Maritime Republics. Each piece is verified by our internal numismatic experts before evaluation and sale.
We buy gold, silver, and other metal coins from private individuals, subject to authenticity verification — with appropriate timings for pieces of particular value or complexity. In-store evaluations are free and without obligation: bring your pieces and discover their value today.
Kingdom of Italy
20 lire gold Umberto I, 5 lire silver Vittorio Emanuele II, silver lire Vittorio Emanuele III, commemorative coins of the period.
Italian Republic
500 lire silver (Caravelle, Unità d'Italia, Dante, commemorative), 1,000 lire bimetallic, divisional series.
Duchy of Genova and Maritime Republics
Genovino, ducats of Genova, denari, zecchini of Venice, coins of the Republics of Pisa, Amalfi, Genova.
Pre-unification states
Papal State, Kingdom of Naples, Grand Duchy of Tuscany, Kingdom of Sardinia, Kingdom of Lombardy-Venetia.
Ancient and medieval coins
Roman, Byzantine, Lombard, Italian medieval. Numismatic verification and cataloguing by appointment.
Do you have an inherited collection, a single piece, or a collection to evaluate? Book an appointment at our locations: the appraisal is free.
Book an evaluationWhy Cicala
What sets us apart from other operators
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Internal numismatic experts
Over 75 years of family experience. Each piece passes through the hands of those who can recognise authenticity, preservation, variants, and provenance.
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Professional Gold Operator
Registered with OPO Bank of Italy with the number 5009931. All operations in precious metals are tracked, documented, and fiscally transparent.
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Verification laboratory
Professional tools for verifying title, weight, and authenticity. Appraisals are carried out internally, without reliance on third parties.
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International network
Direct contacts with mints and operators in Italy, Austria, United Kingdom, Canada, United States. We are informed of news in advance.
Preferred list
How it works
Signing up is free, carries no obligation to buy and keeps you from missing the issues you actually care about. Modern coins are often struck in runs of a few thousand pieces: without notice they are gone in hours.
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You sign up
You fill in the form below, saying whether you are interested in bars, collectible coins or both. Add a note if you are after something specific.
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We alert you
When a mint announces an issue that fits your interests we write to you personally with everything that matters: mintage, price and the booking window.
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You decide whether to book
If the piece interests you, you confirm by email, by phone or in the shop. Only then do we agree any deposit and how delivery works. Nothing is automatic, nothing is committed in advance.
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You receive the coin
When the mint delivers it to us we call you. You can collect it at the shop in Pegli or in the centre of Genova, or have the piece sent by insured courier anywhere in Italy.
Sign-up · No obligation
Silver and coins preferred list
Leave us your details: we will let you know personally when something worth your while comes in. No generic marketing, only alerts that match what you told us you are looking for.
Sign-up received
You are on the preferred list. A confirmation email is on its way to the address you gave us. When something of interest comes in we will contact you personally.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to the most common questions
Does joining the preferred list commit me to a purchase?
No, signing up is entirely free and binds you to nothing. When we get in touch about an issue you are free to answer "not interested", with no consequence. Only if you decide to book a piece do we agree a deposit and the terms.
How does the deposit on pre-orders work?
When a mint opens bookings, the limited mintage means the piece has to be secured at once. The deposit (usually 20-30% of the value) is agreed by phone or in the shop after we have flagged the issue and you have confirmed. It is never asked for when you join the list.
Is VAT charged on silver coins and bars?
Yes. Unlike investment gold (VAT-exempt by law), silver is subject to VAT. Pure silver bars carry the standard 22% rate, while collectible coins fall in some cases under the margin scheme (VAT not shown separately) or under the reduced 5% rate introduced in 2025. The prices we show always include every tax that applies.
Do you also buy my silver 500 lire or Kingdom of Italy coins?
Yes, we buy historic Italian coins from private sellers all the time: 500 lire Caravelle and commemoratives, Kingdom lire (Vittorio Emanuele II and III, Umberto I), pre-unification coins of the Duchy of Genova, the Papal States and the Kingdom of Naples. Every piece is checked by our experts before the appraisal. For pieces of particular value or complexity it can take longer (a few days) to allow a full expert examination.
What is my 500 Lire Caravelle worth?
It depends on the year and the state of preservation. Circulated common Caravelle (1958-1967) are worth mainly the silver in them (about 9.2 grams fine, valued on the day's spot price). The same coins in Fior di Conio (uncirculated) grade can be worth €18-40. The very rare 1957 "Prova", with the flags flying against the wind and struck in only 1,004 pieces, can reach far higher figures (over €4,000 and up to several tens of thousands for exceptional specimens), but it has to be examined case by case. Bring your coin to the shop for a precise appraisal, free of charge.
What is the difference between a bullion coin and a numismatic coin?
Bullion coins (Vienna Philharmonic, Britannia, Maple Leaf and so on) are struck in large numbers and their value is tied closely to the weight of precious metal they contain. Their premium over spot is narrow. Numismatic coins take their value instead from rarity, condition, mintage, year of issue and historical context: their price can be far above the metal alone. Cicala deals in both.
Can the coins be delivered to me, or do I have to come to the shop?
Both options are possible. You can collect from one of our two locations in Genova (Pegli, historical site, and Centro, in Via San Vincenzo) or receive the piece via insured courier throughout Italy. The cost of insured shipping is to be agreed upon based on the value of the shipment.
Do IPZS issues really sell out that quickly?
Yes, some issues with print runs of 2,000-5,000 pieces can sell out within a few hours of the online booking opening on the IPZS shop. This is why being notified in advance by our preferential list makes the difference between getting the piece and missing it.
Is Cicala a gold buyer or a numismatics shop?
Cicala is a historic Genovese jewellery store since 1950 that also operates as Professional Gold Operator registered with Banca d'Italia no. 5009931 and with internal numismatic expertise. We are neither "just a gold buyer" nor "just numismatists": we offer both services with the depth of those who have dealt with precious metals and collecting for three generations.
Can I sell you coins without a certificate of authenticity?
Yes. Most historical coins come to us without a certificate: our laboratory takes care of verifying authenticity, weight, fineness, and preservation. For pieces of significant value, a formal external appraisal may be advised, which we can arrange through recognised appraisers.
Come and visit us
Do you have a collection, want to start investing, or are you looking for a specific piece?
For inquiries about quotes, evaluations, or upcoming issues, we are at your disposal via WhatsApp, email, or at our two locations in Genova.
For appointments and direct information in our two shops
Historical site · Pegli Via Martiri della Libertà 23-25r
16156 Genova (GE), Italy
Internal laboratory for appraisals
16156 Genova (GE), Italy
Internal laboratory for appraisals
Boutique · Centro Via San Vincenzo 110r
16121 Genova (GE), Italy
Also for silver operations
16121 Genova (GE), Italy
Also for silver operations
Silver and numismatic operations available at both locations · Appointment from opening until 16:00 · Insured shipping throughout Italy (cost separate).
Warnings. The indicative prices shown on the page are updated to the current silver quotation and may vary at any time. For numismatic and collectible coins, the final price always depends on the condition, rarity, and authenticity verification by our experts. The evaluations proposed to individuals selling their pieces are carried out at the day's fixing and on a case-by-case appraisal. Registration to the preferential list is free, non-binding, and revocable at any time. Cicala Jewellery is registered in the Professional Gold Operators register with Banca d'Italia with the number 5009931.
