In 1986, the lira ranged from 1663.14/dollar to 1379.44/dollar.
So 4MM lire = $2,405.09 - $2,899.73. Or accounting for inflation, in today's money, $4717.98 - $5688.30.
So about a 600% return. On the other hand, $2.5K in a Dow indexed fundfrom 1986 would bring you 750%, not including any dividends.
Aren't the intrawebz an amazing thing? That took me 5 minutes. But who buys a bike as an investment? That seems silly.
And all the japanese are buying the grand cry wines as an investment. Which leaves old wonders like dependent on the cellars of noble/old money friends to enjoy them, without hoping to ever build up a nice collection myself.