4605) “Vespa” Repubblica Italiana (Republic of Italy): "Italian Excellence in Transport" - Collector Coin Series: The
Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato (IPZS) has brought out a commemorative coin: Date/Year of Coin issue: 25.05.2026:
Links to posts on Vespa on this Blog:
The Istituto Poligrafico Zecca della Stato (IPZS) has
issued a new Silver Collector Coin which focusses not only on
Italian design and excellence, but specifically on one product which emerged
from the economic boom after the end of World War II - the iconic Vespa.
Born in the ruins of post-WWII Italy, the Vespa was created by Piaggio, a company primarily operated as an aeronautical and rail carriage company before and during the war.
The idea was to provide an affordable, accessible means of transport for a devastated country and its people recovering from the economic and structural damage sustained during World War II.
Despite the near-destruction of their Pontedera factory in Tuscany, company head Enrico Piaggio realised Italy desperately needed a cheap, modern, and practical vehicle to navigate ruined roads and essentially get the country moving again.
For eight decades, Vespa has represented a zest for life and a desire to embrace the future. It has become an icon of freedom and emancipation for young people the world over, combining effortless, distinctive ‘Made in Italy’ style with cutting-edge technology.
Italy’s IPZS has new silver coins marking an important anniversary in the history of the iconic personal transportation.
The Storyline began with the introduction of the iconic scooter - Vespa:
In 1944, Piaggio engineers Renzo Spolti and Virrorio
Casini put their ideas to paper and designed a motor-cycle with body-work that
fully enclosed the drive-train and formed a tall splash guard at the front.
In addition to the body-work, the design included
handlebar-mounted controls, forced air-cooling, wheels of small diameter and a
tall central section that had to be straddled.
Incredibly forward-thinking at that time, the design was
immediately well-received and, as a consequence, much of the original design
was re-worked by aeronautical engineer Corradino D'Ascanio on the instructions
of the management of Enrico Piaggio.
Enrico tasked aeronautical engineer Corradino D'Ascanio with creating a revolutionary new and compact machine.
D'Ascanio disliked traditional motorcycles because of their loud, dirty engines as well as being difficult to mount, so he designed the scooter with a flat floorboard, a step-through frame, and enclosed mechanics that protected the rider from dirt and noise.
Interestingly, upon seeing the re-designed
proto-type model for the first time, Enrico Piaggio exclaimed "Sembra una
vespa!" (meaning "It looks like a wasp").
Piaggio immediately
named the new scooter "Vespa" (meaning a "wasp" in both
Latin and Italian), which accurately described the new vehicle's body shape,
which had a thicker rear part connected to the front part by a narrow waist and
the steering rod resembling antennae.
On 23.04.1946, at 12.00 o'clock, and in the central
office for inventions, models and makes of the Ministry of Industry and
Commerce in Florence, Piaggio e C.S.p.A took out a patent for a
"motor-cycle of a rational complexity of organs and elements combined with
a frame with mud-guards and a casing covering the whole mechanical part."
Piaggio now planned to manufacture the new Vespa in large
numbers, thanks to their long-standing industrial experience and an efficient
volume assembly and production line.
The scooter was presented to the press at
Rome Golf Club, where journalists were quite "intrigued" by the
strange, pastel coloured, toy-like object on display.
Nevertheless, the road
tests were very encouraging and even with no rear suspension, the vehicle was more maneuverable and comfortable to
ride than a traditional motor-cycle.
Following its official launch and public debut at the
1946 Milan Fair, the first 50 vehicles sold slowly, but with the introduction
of payment by instalments, sales took off with 2,500 Vespas being sold in
1947.over 10,000 in 1948, 20,000 in 1949 and over 60,000 sold in 1950.
Vespa went on to define light urban mobility and which also unknowingly played a role in advancing female independence.
It quickly became a cultural icon, finding its way into film, music, art, photography and fashion.
The scooter's transformation from a simple post-war utility vehicle into an international star in its own right was heavily propelled by cinema.
Hollywood too, played its part in the promotion of the
scooter, by creating an iconic image of Italy and Rome post-war.
In the 1952
feature film titled "Roman Holiday", Audrey Hepburn side-saddled
Gregory Peck's Vespa for a ride through Rome.
Their "trek" through
the city , which resulted in over 100,000 sales that year.
The Coin:
The Header/Banner presents the Obverse and Reverse of the 5 Euro Silver Coin against a background representation of a Vespa scooter.
Designed by Valerio De Seta, the Obverse of the Five Euro Silver Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) Coin includes the
official logo centred, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Vespa brand
which is framed with a hexagonal frame and features the actual Vespa logo.
Along the upper periphery is the text "REPUBBLICA ITALIANA" and along the lower periphery is
the coins’ year of issue, "2026".
The Reverse of the Five-Euro Silver Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) Coin features two Vespa models, the 1946
Vespa 98 at the top and the Vespa Primavera 80th anniversary at the bottom.
They are separated by the commemorative inscription "VESPA. FOREVER ICONIC", all framed within the characteristic hexagonal shape of the Vespa logo.
The
denomination "5 EURO" is shown to the left in a vertical direction with the
intersecting "E" from VESPA and the currency name sharing the same letter.
The
letter "R" placed to the right of the design denotes the Mint of Rome and the
name of the designer "V.de Seta" is seen along the lower periphery.
The specifications of this Coin are:
Denomination Metal Weight Diameter Quality Maximum Mintage
5 Euro .925 Silver 18
g. 32 mm. BU 5,000
-
Each coin is encapsulated and presented
in a heavy-gauge card case accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.
Links to posts on Vespa Scooters on this Blog:
Links to posts on the XXV Olympic Winter Games on this blog:
1) "XXV Olympic Winter Games (06 to 22.02.2026) being held in Milano-Cortina, Italy", Estonia: Omniva - Eesti Post (Estonian Post) has issued a postage stamp of 3.90 Euro depicting the Games: Date/Year of Stamp issue: 23.01.2026
2) XXV Olympic Winter Games (06 to 22.02.2026) being held in Milano-Cortina, Italy, Estonia: Eesti Bank (Estonian Central Bank) has issued 15 Euro Silver Proof Coins Highlighting the Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games: Date/Year of Coin issue: 23.01.2026
For some other interesting posts from Italy/The Vatican, please visit the following links:
The Fountains of Italy Coin Series:
Other Links:
35) St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican (San Pietro in Vaticano), Republic of Palau: "Tiffany Art Metropolis Coin Series - San Pietro": Coin Invest Trust (CIT) has coordinated the issue of $500 (Gold) and $25 (Silver Coins minted by B.H. Mayer's Kunstprageanstalt GmbH at their facilities in Munich: Year of Coin issue: 2022
36) "The Twelve Apostles", Vatican City: The Twelve Apostles Coin Series: The first Silver Coins of 5- and 10-Euro minted by the "Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca Dello Stato" (IPZS) on behalf of "Coommercializzazione Filatelica e Numismatica" (CFN) feature St. Peter & St. Andrew: Date of Coins issued: 10.11.2022
37) "Towards the Holy Year 2025", Vatican City: A 200 Euro Gold Coin issued by the Commercializzazone Filatelica e Numismatica (CFN) to commemorate the three-year programme (2022-2023-2024) culminting in 2025: Date/Year of Coin issue: 19.12.2022
38) "Bergamo and Brescia", Italy: Five Euro Commemorative Copper Coins issued by the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato Italiano (IPZS) showcases the designated Italian Cultural Capital Cities: Date/Year of Coin issue: 20.02.2023
39) Luigi Vanvitelli (12.05.1700-01.03.1773), Architect and Painter, Italy: 250th Anniversary of his passing away: Five Euro (Silver) and Twenty Euro (Gold) Coins issued by the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato Italiano (IPZS) commemorate this celebrated Baroque Era Architect: Date/Year of Coin issue: 21.02.2023
40) "The Lateran Pacts between the Italian State and the Holy See", Vatican City State: 90th Anniversary Celebrations (1929-2019): The Ufficio Filetelco E. Numismatico (Office of the Philatelic and Numismatic Bureau of the Vatican) has issued an embroidered postage stamp of 8.40 Euro depicting the Coat of Arms of the Vatican City State: Date/Year of Stamp issue: 2019 (Reissued on 12.12.2022)
41) Environmental Protection as enshrined in the Italian Constitution, Italy: A Square-shaped bi-metallic Silver and Copper 5 Euro Coin brought out by the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato Italiano (IPZS) highlights environmental protection in the Italian constitution: Date of Coin issue: 27.04.2023
42) "The Resurrection of Christ" ("CHRISTVS RESVRREXIT"), Vatican City State: Rectangular-shaped Silver Proof and Colour Coins feature Renaissance painter Pietro Vannucci's (also known as "Perugino") masterpiece, presently in the Apostolic Palace Library: Date/Year of Coin issue: 04/2023
43) The Second Vatican Council - Nostra Aetate (In Our Time), Vatican City State: A 100 Euro Gold Coin minted by the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato Italiano (IPZS) at their facilities in Rome on behalf of the Treasury Department of the Vatican City State: Date/Year of Coin issue: 2023
44) The history of the Olympics in Italy - TRiTTICO Cortina 1956, Rome 1960, Turin 2006, Republic of Italy (Repubblica Italiana): Three 20 Euro Gold Coins issued by the Istututo Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato Italiano (IPZS) celebrate the selection of 2026 Winter Olympics in the City of Cortino Italy: Date/Year of Coin issue: 07.09.2023
45) A Euro Coin Set - 2018, Vatican City State: An eight (8) Coin Set issued by the Commercializzazione Filatelica e Numismatica on Euro Coins: Coins minted by the IPZS Italy on behalf of the "Stato Della Citta Del Vaticano" (The Vatican City State") in 2018
46) Remembrance to Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, Vatican City: Coins issued by Commercializzazione Filetelica e Numismatica on 10 Euro Silver Coins: Coins minted by the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato Italiano (IPZS) Italy on behalf of the "Stato Della Citta Del Vaticano" ("The Vatican City State"): Date of Coin issue: 26.10.2023
47) The Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato Italiano (IPZS) at their facilities in Rome on behalf of the Treasury Department of the Vatican City State has issued the first of two commemorative 10 Euro coins which mark 2025 and the Holy Year Pilgrims of Hope: Date/Year of Coins issue: 12/2023
48) Pesaro, Italy: The Italian City designatied as the 2024 European Capital of Culture (ECOC):Date of Coin issue: 26.01,2024
49) Around the World Voyage of the Amerigo Vespucci, Italy's oldest Naval Vessel: A 5 Euro Silv er Proof & Colour Coin presents the voyage of the v essel: Date of Coin issue: 08.03.2024
50) St. Peter and the Rooster star on latest Vatican 20 Euro coin issued by the CFN (Commercialzzone Filatelica E Numasmatica - Vatican City: "Art and Faith Coin Series: Year of Coin issue: 2024;
51) Pope Francis Coin Card, Vatican City: A 1 Euro Base Metal Coin: The Commercializzazione Filatelica e Numismatica " (CFN) has issued a 1 Euro Copper Coin minted by the Istituto Poligrafico e Zella dello State (or State Mint and Polygraphic Institute - IPZS), Italy: Date/Year of Coin issue: 2024
52) The Vatican Coin Set: The "Commercializzazione Filatelica e Numismatica" (CFN) has issued an eight (8) Copper-Nickel (CuNi) Coin Set minted by the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato ("State Mint and Poligraphic Institute - IPZS"), Italy: Date/Year of Coin set issue: 2024
53) Concordat between the Holy See and the Republic of Poland, Poland: Rectangular Silver Proof Coins Mark the 100th Anniversary of the conclusion of the Concordat (1925-2025): Date/Year of Coin issue: 06.02.2025
54) Did You Know Series (103): Between One Pope and the Next - the Sede Vacante (meaning "Vacant Seat:) Coins are issued:
55) Cardinal Robert Prevost is Pope Leo XIV, the 267th Pope, United States of America (USA): A 1-oz Silver Election of Pope Leo XIV Round: Date/Year of Round issue: 08.05.2025
56) The Pontifical Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii and Pope Francis: Citta Del Vaticano (Vatican City): The IPZS, Italy (in English, it translates to State Printing Works and Mint) has minted a 50 Euro Gold Coin which features a kneeling Late Pope Francis on one face and The Shrine on the other:: Year of Coin issue: 2015
57) The Pontifical Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii and Pope Francis, CITTA DEL VATICANO (Vatican City): The Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato (IPZS), Italy (In English, it translates to State Printing Works and Mint) has minted a 20 Euro Gold Coin which features Late Pope Francis on one face and the Virgin Mary with a crown sitting on a throne and holding the baby Jesus Christ, with angels kneeling on the sides, on the other: Year of Coin issue: 2015
58) "Beloved Opera, Norma by Bellini, Republic of Italy (Repubblica Italiana): 5 Euro Silver Colour and Proof Rectangular Coins issued b y the IPZS" Date/Year of Coin issue: 24.06.2025
59) "Repubblic d'Italia") The "Italian Republic/Peninsula"), Cook Islands: A $10 (Ten Dollars) Silver Coin co-ordinated by Coin Invest Trust (CIT): Minted by B.H.Mayer's Kunstprageanstalt (GmbH) at their facilities in Munich: Year of Coin issue: 2025
60) "Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026", Republic of Italy: A 50 Euro Gold proof Coin features the official logo of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games: Date/Year of Coin issue: 27.08.2025
61) Did You Know Series (120): A Diver discovered the Biggest Treasure ever found in the Mediterranean Sea - consisting of about 30,000 to 50,000 Ancient Roman Coins some dating back as far as the 4th Century AD found off the coast of Azachena, located in Sardinia, Italy
62) National Intelligence Agencies, Republic of Italy (Repubblica Italiana): Centenary Anniversary (12925-2025): 5 Euro Coins issued by the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato Italiano (IPZS) to celebrate the milestone: Date/Year of Coins issue: 13.10.2025
63) "Election of New Pontiff", Vatican City: The Commercializzozione Filatelica e Numismatica, (which translates to Philatelic and Numismatic Marketing) has issued a Commemorative 2 Dollar Coin which marks the transition to a New Pope, minted by the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato Italiano - IPZS at their facilities in Rome on behalf of the Treasury Department of the Vatican City State: Date/Year of Coins issue: 04.02.2026
64) "Flora and Fauna", Italian Republic (Repubblica Italiana): 75 Eurocents (Gold) and 25 Euro-Cents and 1,50 Euro cents (Silver) Bullion Coins issued by the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato (IPZS): Date/Year of Coins issue: 11/17.02.2026
65) "Common Design - 70 Years of EUROPA Stamps", (Citta Del Vaticano), Vatican City: Commercializzazione Filatelica e Numismatica (CFN) - _(Vatican City Postal & Numismatic Services) has issued one EUROPA Stamp of (1,35 Euro): Date of issue: 08.05.2026
Links to Posts on Marco Polo on this Blog:
1) Marco Polo, Explorer, Italy (1254-8/9.01.1324): A 10 Euro Silver Coin issued by Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca di Stato, the Italian State Mint (2018)
2) Marco Polo (1254-1324), Venetian Traveller, Italy: The royal Dutch Mint (RDM) has brought out this special Silver strike of a Gold florin: Date/Year of Coin issue: 2024
Posts on the Ryder Cup on this Blog:
i) The 2014 Ryder Cup Commemorative Banknote: Commemorating the Ryder Cup, Europe with a 5 Pound Sterling Banknote issued by the Royal Bank of Scotland
ii) The 44th Ryder Cup held in Italy: 10 Euro Silver Coins with applied colour and concave centre brought out by the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato Italiano (IPZS) marks the conduct of the prestigious Ryder Cup in Italy for the first time: Date of Coin issue: 18.09.2023
Italian Excellence Coin Series:
