The latest commemorative coin from the Italian Mint(Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato) commemorates the 150th anniversary of the birth of renowned Italian philosopher Benedetto Croce in 1866

Benedetto Croce is best remembered as an influential Italian philosopher of the idealist school. He was also a historian, politician and author. He was a staunch opponent of totalitarianism and espoused the virtues of pure logic and liberalism. He did however not believe that true egalitarianism or libertarianism is a myth and that a more aristocratic society was a matter of necessity for civilization to flourish.

Italy 2016 Silver 5 Euro Benedetto Croce Coin Obverse

The obverse design depicts the right facing bust of Croce. The portrait was copied from a pastel by Arturo Rietti, drawn on cardboard and currently curated at the Palazzo Filomarino in Naples. Intersecting geometric shapes are drawn in the background. “REPUBBLICA ITALIANA”(Italian Republic) appears at the bottom. To the right, written vertically, is “PETRASSI” which indicates that the coin was designed by Maria Silvia Petrassi.

The reverse depicts detail from Raphael’s fresco reproducing an allegory of Philosophy which can be seen in the Room of the Segnatura at the Pontifical Palace in Vatican City. The denomination is indicated to the lower right, “5 EURO”, while the dates “1866” and “2016” are shown to the left. “BENEDETTO CROCE” is inscribed along the top rim. The mintmark “R” appears just above the denomination indicating that the coin is derived from the Rome Mint.

Italy 2016 Silver 5 Euro Benedetto Croce Coin Reverse

The legal tender 5 Euro commemorative coin is struck from sterling silver(.925 Fineness) and will be issued in both special uncirculated and proof finishes. The special uncirculated coin has a mintage of 11 000 coins and is available to order from the IPZS for €54.00 each. The proof coin will be listed at €115.00 each at a more modest 3000 coins minted.