Description

The Italian mint introduced the “Cultura Enogastronomica Italiana” (Italian Food and Wine Culture) series in 2020. Each issue is dedicated to a specific region and showcases famous monuments in the background with culinary treasures standing out in colour in front of it.

Design: Marta Bonifacio

Obverse

In the background, decorations inspired by the wrought iron craftsmanship typical of Molise on which two Devils stand out, one with a more usual shape and one in the guise of a girl who tries to tempt Saint Anthony Abbot by waving a fan, masks protagonists of the parade of the "Mysteries" which takes place on the day of Corpus Domini in Campobasso, which have become symbols of the capital city of Molise. In the foreground, black and white truffles on oak leaves and, on the left, caciocavallo cheese and bunches of Tintilia grapes. Above, the inscription “MOLISE”; in exergue, “REPUBBLICA ITALIANA” and the name of the designer “M. BONIFACIO”.

Molise, an Italian region characterized by mountainous terrain, also boasts a coastline along the Adriatic Sea. It includes a portion of the National Park of Abruzzo within the Apennines mountain range, renowned for its diverse wildlife and scenic trails. The regional capital, Campobasso, is famed for its commanding Monforte Castle perched atop a hill, as well as its Romanesque churches. To the north lies the Pietrabbondante archaeological site, featuring an ancient Samnite theater and temple.

The "Festival of the Mysteries" in Campobasso stands out as one of the most significant and captivating events in the religious and folk culture of Molise. Held on Corpus Christi day, it features a procession of thirteen Mysteries through the streets of the historic center, depicting scenes from the Old and New Testament. Participants of all ages, adorned in vibrant attire, portray angels, saints, and demons, intricately mounted on steel and wooden structures, evoking an enigmatic atmosphere. These Mystery machines, crafted by Paolo Saverio Di Zinno in 1748, remain a central aspect of the festival's allure.

MOLISE
REPUBBLICA
ITALIANA
M.BONIFACIO

Reverse

To the right, in the foreground, stands the statue of the Samnite Warrior, sculpted by Giuseppe Guastalla and situated in Piazza Vittorio Veneto in Pietrabbondante. In the background, there is a depiction of the five main "sheep tracks" found in the Molise region, showcased on a decorative composition inspired by a traditional filigree goldsmith's artifact typical of upper Molise. This composition incorporates the outline of the region, with a texture featuring the inscription "MOLISE" in one of the star’s corners. Below, the coin denomination "5 EURO" is displayed, alongside the arch-shaped inscription "SAPORI D'ITALIA". On the left, the letter "R" denotes the Mint of Rome, while in the top left corner, the year of the coin's issue, "2024", is indicated.

2024
R
MOLISE
5
EURO
SAPORI D'ITALIA

Edge

5 Euro

Italian Food and Wine Culture
Molise - Tintilia and Caciocavallo

Subscribe series
KM#
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Cupronickel
Weight 10.3 g
Diameter 26.95 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Italian State Mint and Polygraphic Institute (IPZS)

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