Description

2015 marks 70 years since the end of World War II. The European Union marked the occasion with a series of commemorations, including a number of numismatic issues from a number of European mints. The Mint of Italy commemorated the event with the release of a 10-euro silver coin, titled “70 Years of Peace”.

The collector coin is part of the Europa Coin Programme, also known as the European Silver Programme, or the Eurostar Programme. It is an initiative dedicated to the issuance of collector-oriented legal tender coins in precious metals to celebrate European identity. The issuing authorities of EU member countries voluntarily contribute coins to the Europa Coin Programme. Multiple countries have participated in the programme, beginning in 2004. Some coins are denominated in euro, others are denominated in other currencies.

Artist: Maria Carmela Colaneri

Obverse

A dove, the symbol of peace, held by the female goddess Europa. The number 70 is drawn in incuse in Europa’s hairline and is surrounded by four stars (representing the stars of the EU). An olive brand borders the dove on the left and the right. The logo of the Europa Star Programme is located to the right of the dove. Wrapping around the lower rim, canted to the left, is the inscription REPUBBLICA ITALIANA. The designer’s name COLANERI is located at the bottom right of the bust truncation.

70
REPUBBLICA ITALIANA
COLANERI

Reverse

The goddess of Peace reclines on a chaise. Her head held up by her right arm. In her leg hand, an olive branch. The illustration is derived from a fresco painted by Ambrosia Lorenzetti on the subject of good government for the Sala dei Nove of the Palazzo Pubblico in Siena. On the right, a dove, in modern style. Above and to the left, the circular array of stars of the European Union. The stars wrap around the coin’s “10 EURO” denomination. Underneath the chaise, the “R” mintmark of the Mint of Rome and the dual date “1945 2015”. Wrapping around the bottom of the coin is the inscription "70 Years of Peace in Europe".

10 EURO
R
1945
2015
70 ANNI DI PACE IN EUROPA

Edge

10 Euro

KM# 387
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.925
Weight 22 g
Diameter 34 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Italian State Mint and Polygraphic Institute (IPZS)

Related coins

70 Years of Peace in Europe

Eurostar - Anniversary of the UN

Silver, 17 g, ⌀ 33 mm