4689) The Italian Capital of Culture L'Aquila, designated as the Italian Capital of Culture, 2026Italy: – The Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca
dello Stato," IPZS) - the Italian State Mint and Polygraphic Institute has issued 5 Euro Copper Coins to celebrate the designation of ICOC): Dat/Year of Coins issue: 2026:
The Italian Capital of Culture (ICOC):
The Italian Capital of Culture is a title awarded annually by the Italian Ministry of Culture to a single city or multiple cities to promote local heritage, boost tourism and support regional development.
First officially launched in May 2014, the programme was devised to reward the efforts of cities who were competitors in the European-wide European Capital city of culture first begun in 1985.
This copper coin collector series was launched in 2022 featuring the city of Procida in the region of Campania:
For 2026, the honour was awarded to the city of L’Aquila, who will host a year-long programme themed "L’Aquila: Multiverse City".
The Banner
The Obverse and Reverse of the five Euro Copper coins Highlight L'Aquila as 2026 Italian Capital of Culture
The initiative highlights the central Italian mountain city's recovery and rebirth following the devastating 2009 earthquake, featuring over 300 cultural events, high-profile art exhibitions and historic palace openings
L’Aquila, Italy’s Capital of Culture for 2026 is celebrated as a city rich in history, art and spirituality, capable of preserving its heritage with strength and resilience, while looking to the future with confidence.
This designation is a significant achievement, as it coincides with the 15th anniversary of the devastating earthquake that struck the city in 2009.
The city's recovery and reconstruction efforts have been a testament to its resilience and commitment to cultural preservation.
The programme for 2026 will feature over 300 events spread across 300 days, celebrating the cultural richness of the Abruzzo region and its people.
The initiative, titled "Un territorio, mille capitali," aims to amplify the area's historic, artistic, and natural heritage through exhibitions, performances, and cultural partnerships.
The events will be thoughtfully curated around themes inspired by the multiverse, represented by a logo that symbolises the city's identity and values.
How was Italian Capital of Culture 2026 born?
L’Aquila is a city that has made great strides in physical, social, and economic reconstruction, reshaping its built heritage and accumulating exceptional capital of experience and expertise on how to effectively respond to a major psychological, social, environmental, and economic shock such as the 2009 earthquake.
“L’Aquila and its territory” is a unique spatial configuration precisely because of the close and reciprocal relationship that characterises the city not only with respect to the 56 municipalities of the 2009 earthquake crater but more broadly as a city representative of an inland and mountainous area whose characteristics are defined, valued, and made meaningful by the dense network of relationships that characterises its history and geography, connecting realities, resources, capacities, and interests that often struggle to be adequately considered in national debate and in the territorial policy agenda.
In this sense, the “Charter of L’Aquila” constitutes an important point of reference as an original proposal that started from L’Aquila—the Manifesto of Cities of Inland Areas—to enhance the driving role in favor of the inland and peripheral areas of Italy that such cities, precisely because of the peculiar connections they have with their respective territories, and because of their role as fundamental laboratories for the future socio-environmental sustainability of our country, can exercise through joint planning and sharing of common experiences.
The Coin:
- Copper Coins Highlight
L'Aquila as 2026 Italian Capital of Culture:
The Obverse of the 5 Euro pure
copper coins features a view of the familiar facade of the Basilica of Santa
Maria di Collemaggio, with a detail of the rose window on the left.
Just below
and along the edge of the rose window is the name of the designer "U. Pernazza" and above the primary design along the upper periphery is the text "REPUBBLICA" with
the additional text "ITALIANA" placed below the Basilica.
The Reverse of the 5 Euro pure copper coins includes a
detailed depiction of the Fountain of the Ninety-Nine Spouts with the masks
facing to the right.
Above the primary design and along the rim towards the
right is the inscription "CAPITALE ITALIANA DELLA CULTURA" and just below the
fountain is the additional text "L'AQUILA:
Just under the inscription are the
denomination "5 EURO", the "R" mintmark (representing the Mint of Rome) and the year
of issue, "2026".
The specifications of this Coin are:
Denomination Metal Weight Diameter Quality Maximum Mintage
5 Euro .999 Copper 15 g. 32 mm. BU 3,500
- Each BU copper coin is
encapsulated and presented in a heavy-gauge coin case accompanied with a Certificate of Authenticity (COA).
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
Illustrious Italians Coin Series:
66) "Ricardo Muti" - (born 28 July 1941), Repubblica Italiana (Republic of Italy): First Coin in the series is a 3 Euro Silver Proof Coin brought out by "The Istituto Poligrafico Zecca dello Stato (IPZS): Date of Coin issue: 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:
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