Description

Benito Jacovitti (1923–1997) was an influential Italian comic artist. He began his career in 1939 with Il Brivido magazine and later worked with Il Vittorioso for almost three decades, creating numerous characters including Pippo, Oreste il guastafeste, and Cocco Bill. His work extended to school diaries and newspapers like Il Giorno, where he introduced characters like Tom Ficcanaso. Jacovitti's art style, characterized by exaggerated features and intricate details, appealed to both children and adults. Throughout his prolific career, he created over 60 characters and published around 150 books, solidifying his legacy as a seminal figure in comic book history.

Engraver: Claudia Momoni

Obverse

Depicts Jak Mandolino, the clumsy gangster drawn by the surrealist pencil of Jacovitti, depicted with Pop Corn, his hilarious advisor, on his back. The country name is above, and the character name is below.

Jak Mandolino, a fictional character from comic books, was crafted by Benito Jacovitti. Described by the author as "a petty thief with good intentions but perpetual misfortune," Jak Mandolino underwent two iterations. Initially resembling the classic American gangster, Jacovitti later imbued him with Italian traits. Alongside this transformation, Jac Mandolino gained a new companion, the bumbling advisor Pop Corn or Satanicchio, with whom he shares comical misadventures following failed heists. This comic strip even made its way onto television through the show Supergulp - Comics on TV.

Pop Corn serves as the mischievous advisor to the inept gangster Jak Mandolino. In some instances, he is referred to as Satanicchio. Portrayed with a red hue and a strong Romagna accent, Pop Corn's appearance in the televised adaptation on Rai's Supergulp program has been interpreted by some as a satirical commentary by the Christian Democratic-leaning Jacovitti. Allegedly, it symbolizes the Italian Communist Party, historically dominant in the Emilia-Romagna region. Throughout the comics, Pop Corn often goads Jak into committing crimes that inevitably fail, leading Jak to unleash his frustration on the devilish sprite. Despite his provocations, Pop Corn never comes to Jak's rescue, claiming he's "not his guardian angel." Instead, he frequently exacerbates Jak's troubles, drawing inspiration from various manuals on temptation.

REPUBBLICA ITALIANA
jac 80
JAK MANDOLINO

Reverse

Depicts the name “JACOVITTI” created in the cartoonist's original style in which the “J” is surmounted by one of his eccentric characters with an ironic expression. Above, "R", identifying the Mint of Rome; on the right, “2024”, year of the coin’s issue; on the left, the value “5 EURO”; in exergue, the name of the designer “MOMONI”.

R
JA
COV
ITTI
2024
5 EURO
MOMONI

Edge

5 Euro

Italian Comics
Benito Jacovitti - Jak Mandolino

Subscribe series
KM#
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Cupronickel
Weight 15.6 g
Diameter 32 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Italian State Mint and Polygraphic Institute (IPZS)

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