Art is a frequent theme on Italian coins, and when you have such a rich history to draw from – why not? The excellent Fauna and Flora in Art Masterpieces series is an excellent example of precisely this. Another one would be the Italy of Art Series that has just released another silver coin this time celebrating the city of Recanati.
Italy 2016 Silver 5 Euro Recanati Coin Obverse
Most historians agree that Recanati, in the Marche region of modern Italy, was likely founded upon the ruins of older Roman cities. Ever since the middle ages the city was renowned for it's artistic community. Boasting spectacular examples of both baroque and renaissance architecture. A persistent focal point for the city is the St. Augustine church and it's Gothic cloisters, constructed in 1270. One of Recanati's most beloved son's is the celebrated Italian poet Giacomo Leopardi. He even mentions St. Augustine's bell tower in his poem “Passero Solitario”.
The coin's obverse displays the façade of the St. Augustine church along with it's cloisters and bell tower in the background. The municipal coat of arms appear just in the foreground, slightly to the right. The words “REPUBBLICA ITALIANA” appear along the top rim, while the date “2016” is listed to the bottom. The coin was designed by Ettore Lorenzo Frapiccini, whose name appears to the bottom along the rim in smaller text : “E. L. FRAPICCINI”.
Italy 2016 Silver 5 Euro Recanati Coin Reverse
The reverse design depicts details from The Recanati Annunciation, a painting by the Italian Renaissance painter Lorenzo Lotto. The original painting is currently housed in the Civic Museum of Villa Colloredo Mels in Recanati. The reverse legend reads : “ITALIA DELLE ARTI”, “RECANATI” and “5 EURO”. The mintmark “R” is located to the bottom left of the reverse, indicating the coin's origin from the Rome Mint.
The Recanati Annunciation (Annunciazione di Recanati)by Lorenzo Lotto
Struck from sterling (.925 Fineness) silver this legal tender 5 Euro coin measures 32mm in diameter and tips the scales at 18grams. The coin will only be minted in proof quality, to a total mintage of 4000 coins. Expected to retail for €50.00(US$55.00) upon release.
