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 Cocco Bill, hilarious gunslinger and defender of the law, shouting WORLD PISTOL! and riding Trottalemme, depicted in his typical western landscape with at his sides some characteristic protagonists a salami and a worm. The country name is above, and the character name is below.

Cocco Bill, a creation of Benito Jacovitti, is a prominent figure in Italian comics, starring in a Western parody set in fictitious locations in the Far West. He's depicted as a hot-headed gunslinger with an unusual penchant for chamomile tea, a trait occasionally ridiculed by others, leading to his violent responses. Despite his temper, Cocco Bill is portrayed as a protagonist, often aiding sheriffs in apprehending criminals. Following Jacovitti's passing in 1997, the series was carried on by Luca Salvagno.

Cocco Bill's equine companion, Trottalemme, is a uniquely characterized horse that exhibits human-like behavior, indulging in smoking, drinking, and even dreaming at night.

Jacovitti's signature style permeates the comics, featuring surreal elements like walking salamis, legged worms, and absurd scenarios such as two-legged horses ridden by four-legged men. The stories typically center around Cocco Bill's adventures in various towns, tackling missions assigned by local authorities.

REPUBBLICA ITALIANA
MONDO
PISTOLA!
COCCO BILL

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 - Cocco Bill

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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