Italian National Coin Collection

Had a chance to view part of the Italian National COin Collection on Tuesday 5/12 and all I can say is "WOW"
If you ever get a chance to go to Rome, don't miss this display. It was in the basement of the National Museum, right next to to the train station in Rome. They had on display coins of all the Roman rulers and most issuers of coins in Italy from the fall of Rome through the early 1900's. I don't collect these coins but sure have an appreciation for coins from 200 BC in "perfect" condition as well as coins from the 1300's, 1400's etc that still have traces of mint luster and beautiful toning. Large portion of what was on display was from the personal collection of (now deposed) King Umberto III of Italy and he had a good eye for quality. The info guide tells a very interesting history of debasng the silver/gold content on Roman coins as the fortunes of the empire waxed and waned and the havoc it caused the population. It also stated there are over 1 million pieces in the National Collection and what was on display was a small portion. My only complaint was the magnifiers on the display cases were not functioning and the room was lit with 20 watt bulbs so my eyes hurt after the first hour. If you are ever in Rome, go see this display. I may have to enlarge my collecting interests to include some coins after seeing this display.