Description

The Senate of the Republic, also known simply as the Senate, serves as the upper chamber of the Italian Parliament, complementing the lower house, the Chamber of Deputies. Together, these two bodies operate within a perfectly bicameral system, carrying out similar functions independently. As outlined in Articles 57, 58, and 59 of the Italian Constitution, the Senate comprises 200 members elected through various constituencies within Italy, with an additional four representing Italian citizens residing abroad. Additionally, there exists a small contingent of senators for life, currently numbering six, who are either appointed or serve ex officio. This institution, in its present structure, was established on May 8, 1948, following its predecessors: the Senato del Regno (Senate of the Kingdom) during the Kingdom of Italy and the Senato Subalpino (Subalpine Senate) of Sardinia, founded on May 8, 1848. Members of the Senate hold the title of Senator or The Honourable Senator, convening at Palazzo Madama in Rome.

Engraver: Marta Bonifacio

Obverse

Depicts the legislative chamber of Palazzo Madama on which the institutional logo of the Senate of the Republic is highlighted at the bottom. Around, a blue frame inspired by decorative details of the domed ceiling, called Velario, which adorns the vault of the Hall. At the top, in an arch, the country name delimited by a thin band with the tricolor of the Italian flag. The respective dates "8 May 1948" and "8 May 2023" shown on two calendars on the sides of the composition, the Senate logo in the centre, corresponding to the President's session, and the institutional logo in the sub-frame are made in microwriting.

REPUBBLICA ITALIANA
8 MAGGIO 1948
8 MAGGIO 2023

Reverse

Depicts a detail of the fresco “Allegory of the Chariot of the Sun” by Giovanni Paolo Pannini, created between 1725 and 1726, main decoration of the ceiling of the Pannini Hall of Palazzo Madama, where the Presidency Council of the Senate and the Conference meet of the Presidents of the parliamentary groups. Below, the date of the first session of the Senate "8 May 1948" and the writing "In defense of public freedoms through the suffrage of the people" present on the front wall of the legislative chamber which contains the phrase of the founding fathers. On the left, “R”, identifier of the Rome Mint, and “2023”, year of issue of the coin; on the right, “5 EURO”; bottom right author's signature “M. Bonifacio".

5
EURO
R
2023
M. BONIFACIO
8 MAGGIO 1948
PER SUFFRAGIO DI POPOLO
A PRESIDIO DI PUBBLICHE LIBERTÀ

Edge

Continuous thick knurling

5 Euro

75th Anniversary of the First Session of the Senate of the Republic

KM# 506
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.925
Weight 18 g
Diameter 32 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Italian State Mint and Polygraphic Institute (IPZS)

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