The Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance has today issued a new cupro-nickel coin with a face value of € 5, belonging to the "Italy's Food & Wine Culture - Pizza and Mozzarella” series of the 2020 Numismatic Collection.

The coin, which celebrates one of the most popular Italian food products in the world, marks a new focus on food and wine, with the idea being to tour the country's regional specialities over the coming years.

The proof FDC version of the coin featuring coloured elements was created by the artist-engraver Maria Carmela Colaneri and made in the workshops at the Italian Mint.

On the obverse side, a composition of elements representing Campania: Pulcinella, pizza and a view over the Gulf of Naples. The words “Repubblica Italiana” (“Italian Republic”) are featured on a scroll with typical decorations from Campania; to the bottom left, the name "Campania”; to the right, the designer's name, "Colaneri”.

On the reverse side, a cornucopia gathers the ingredients for a pizza, one of the most famous Italian food products in the world. The composition depicts the opening of an oven and a detail of the bas-relief of the Corteo Bacchico (Naples National Archaeological Museum). Around the edge, towards the top, the words "Sapori d’Italia” (“Flavours of Italy”); in the right-hand field, the year of issue, "2020”; in the left-hand field, "5 euro" and "R", to identify the Rome Mint.

This collectable coin, 8,000 of which have been produced, can also be viewed in the 2020 Numismatic Collection catalogue, published on the portal www.shop.ipzs.it.

The list of the other coins that will be issued over the course of the year is available on the website of the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato (Italian State Printing Works, Stationery Office and Mint), at the address https://www.ipzs.it/ext/numismatica.html:

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