Description

In 2011 the Italian State Mint and Polygraphic Institute began a coin series entitled Flora and Fauna in Art Masterpieces. A Dual program with a €20 gold coin dedicated to flora or botanical themes, and a €50 gold coin inspired by fauna or zoological themes. The coins would illustrate and celebrate plant and animal life as portrayed in classical art through the ages.

Artist: Valerio De Seta

Obverse

Depicts the helmeted head of Roma, facing right, from a denarius, a widespread small silver coin of ancient Rome; around the country name.

In ancient Roman religion, Roma was a female deity who personified the city of Rome and more broadly, the Roman state.

REPUBBLICA ITALIANA ⠂

Reverse

Depicts a cat trying to catch a bird, a detail of a mosaic conserved at the Museo Nazionale Romano di Palazzo Massimo in Rome, the mintmark (R) and the engraver's name (all in the frame), surrounded by the inscription “Fauna in Art”. The date of the issue above the frame, the value below.

FAUNA
⠂2011 ⠂
R
V. DE SETA
50 EURO
NELL'ARTE

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Gold
Fineness 0.900
Weight 16.129 g
Diameter 28 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Italian State Mint and Polygraphic Institute (IPZS)

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Flora and Fauna in Art Masterpieces

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Flora: Middle Ages - Arab-Norman

Flora and Fauna in Art Masterpieces

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Flora: Renaissance

Flora and Fauna in Art Masterpieces

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