Italy New Issue: Copper Collector Coins Released in Salute to Pesaro as Italy’s Capital of Culture

This historic location, also known as the birthplace of Gioacchino Rossini (1792 – 1868), one of the most famous opera composers has been chosen as the Italian Capital of Culture 2024.

 The annual project is promoted by Italy’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism that involves selecting one Italian city each year to promote its culture and artistic heritage. Pesaro, a municipality on Italy’s Adriatic coast in the region of Marche is a vibrant city that offers its visitors a wide range of cultural opportunities. Its nomination as Capital of Culture represents an un-missable opportunity to discover all that this wonderful city has to offer.

As part of the festivities during the year, numerous cultural events and initiatives have been planned for the occasion. The events will involve not only the city of Pesaro, but also other locations in the Marche region. Concerts, art exhibitions, theatre performances, music festivals and much more will be organised to celebrate the culture and artistic beauty of the region. The selection of Pesaro as Capital of Culture 2024 is an important recognition for the city and immediate region as well as an opportunity to highlight its rich cultural heritage.

The coins are designed by Uliana Pernazza who chose to feature the immortal beauty of the Palazzo Ducale, the Fontana di Piazza del Popolo, and the magnificence of the Rocca Costanza. The coin’s obverse focuses on a front-facing view of the Ducal Palace of Pesaro and is placed in the background. In front is a detailed representation of the fountain in Piazza del Popolo, known as ‘the pupil of Pesaro’. Above the primary design is the text REPUBBLICA and placed below, ITALIANA with the name of the designer U.PERNAZZA placed to the lower right. The reverse side features a detail of the Rocca Costanza to the lower left, an imposing 15th century fortress, commissioned by Costanzo Sforza. To the right, is a detailed representation of a Caryatid from the Villa Imperiale, an ancient noble residence on the hills of Pesaro. Along the upper left and right rim is the inscription CAPITALE ITALIANA DELLA CULTURA 2024. Along with the text PESARO placed to the left. The denomination 5 EURO is shown above the Fortress and the mintmark R identifying the Mint of Rome is placed just to the right of the Caryatid.

Available from the 20^th February, each coin is encapsulated and presented in a heavy-gauge card case with magnetic closure. The specifications and certificate of authenticity is printed on the case. For additional information, please visit the webshop of the IPZS.