Description

The "Italian Excellence" series is dedicated to traditional Italian companies. This coin set takes enthusiasts on an enthralling and fervent journey through the legacy of Borgo Panigale's "red." This visual narrative delves into the narrative of Italian motorcycling, commencing with the splendor of the historic Ducati facility in Borgo Panigale, established in 1936. It showcases the iconic models of the Bolognese brand: from the pioneering Cucciolo of 1949, the motorcycle that heralded the beginning of Ducati's story, to the timeless design marvel, the 916, and reaching its zenith with the Panigale, a seamless fusion of performance and sophistication. A heartfelt tribute to the rich heritage of Italian motorcycling.

Ducati, headquartered in Bologna, Italy, is a renowned motorcycle manufacturer under the ownership of Lamborghini, a subsidiary of Audi, which is in turn owned by the Volkswagen Group. The company's origins trace back to 1926 when Antonio Cavalieri Ducati and his sons founded Società Scientifica Radiobrevetti Ducati (SSR Ducati) in Bologna. Initially producing radio components, their success led to the establishment of a new factory in 1935. Despite wartime challenges, Ducati persevered, even after their factory was destroyed in 1944 during World War II.

Post-war, Ducati ventured into motorcycles, with their first offering, the Cucciolo-based bike, launched in collaboration with SIATA in 1950. Over the years, Ducati gained recognition for its high-performance motorcycles, notably introducing the Mach 1 in the 1960s and pioneering the desmodromic valve design in 1973. Ownership changes followed, including Cagiva's acquisition in 1985 and subsequent sale to Texas Pacific Group in 1996. In 2012, Audi's acquisition of Ducati further solidified its position in the automotive world. Known for its powerful V-twin engines and innovative designs like the trellis frame, Ducati continues to make waves in the motorcycle industry.

Design: Antonio Vecchio

Obverse

Depicts the renowned Ducati factory in Borgo Panigale, Bologna, dating back to 1935. The Ducati logo is prominently displayed in the upper right corner. Surrounding the logo is the inscription "Italian Republic," denoting the country's name.

REPUBBLICA ITALIANA
DUCATI
DUCATI

Reverse

Depicts the Ducati Panigale motorcycle, representing the newest iteration of Ducati's sports bikes. Positioned to the right is the year of the coin's release, "2024," while at the bottom are the denominations "5 EURO" and the identification "R" for the Mint of Rome. On the right side, the designer's name, "A. Vecchio," is inscribed, while above in an arch-shaped design, the word "DUCATI" is prominently displayed.

Introduced in 2018 as the successor to the V-twin engined 1299, the Ducati Panigale V4 is a sport bike featuring a 1,103 cc (67.3 cu in) desmodromic 90° V4 engine. This model offers a smaller engine displacement version to adhere to Superbike category competition regulations, which stipulate "Over 750 cc up to 1000 cc" for three and four cylinder 4-stroke engines. The name "Panigale" originates from the manufacturing town of Borgo Panigale. Powered by the new Desmosedici Stradale V4 engine, it is a derivative of the Desmosedici MotoGP racing engine.

DUCATI
2024
DUCATI
5
EURO
R
A. Vecchio

Edge

5 Euro

Colorised Reverse
KM#
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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