The Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato (IPZS) have released (2nd January) a new bi-metallic €2 coin that is minted in celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Italian constitution, which came into force on the 1st January 1948.
The Italian constitution was written by the first post-war chamber of deputies and senate elected in June 1946. The constitution was approved by a vote of 453 in favour and 62 against on the 22nd December 1947 followed by the Interim Head of State Enrico De Nicola signing the Promulgation Act of the Constitution of the Italian Republic on the 27th December 1947. The constitution came into effect just five days later on the 1st January 1948, but with the exception of various amendments since its adoption. Since 1948, the constitution remains in effect to this day.
The coin is designed by Uliana Pernazza and depicts a recreation of the moment when Italy’s Interim Head of State Enrico De Nicola (in office from 1946 to 1948) signed the law which enacted the Constitution of the Italian Republic on the 27th December 1947. To his right was the Prime Minister Alcide De Gasperi (in office from 1945 to 1953), and to his left, Umberto Terracini, president of the Constituent Assembly. The commemorative inscription COSTITUZIONE is placed above the primary design with the additional text CON SICURA COSCIENZA (“with clear conscience”) placed below. The mint mark R, identifying the Mint of Rome, and the dates 1948 • 2018 are seen below the additional inscription. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the complete design.
The reverse side is that of the standard euro-zone design which has been in use since 2002 and includes the coin’s denomination represented by the numeral 2 superimposed over the map of Europe along with the 12 stars of the original member states of the European Union.
Denom. | Metal | Weight | Diameter | Quality | Maximum Mintage |
€2 | Bi-metallic | 8.5 g | 25.75 mm | Brilliant Unc. | 15,000 |
€2 | Bi-metallic | 8.5 g | 25.75 mm | Proof | 6,000 |
The coin is offered in two qualities — Brilliant Uncirculated and Proof. The Brilliant Uncirculated examples are packaged in a sealed coin-card format and the Proof examples are housed in a capsule and custom box, complete with a certificate of authenticity. For additional information on these and other coins offered by the IPZS, please visit their website.
❑
Hidalgo says
Does anyone know when the 2018 1 ounce silver Libertads will be issued? I am a big fan of them and can’t wait for this year’s coin.
Ernesto says
Design is not very original. I guess the subject matter is a hard one to work with. But also why 70? Weird anniversary year to celebrate. Just my opinion of course!!