Italy 2016 150th Anniversary of the Birth of Benedetto Croce 5 Euro Silver Coin

Description:

Benedetto Croce was one of Italy’s Renaissance Men, even if he was born more than three centuries after the historical period we call by that name. Croce was a philosopher, historian and politician who wrote on an array of topics, such as philosophy, aesthetics, and history. He was born on February 25, 1866 in Pescasseroli, Italy, and died in the Italian city of Naples on November 20, 1952.

Obverse:

The obverse of the Benedetto Croce coin features a right-facing bust of Croce as seen on a pastel created by Arturo Rietti, a cardboard-based work seen in the Palazzo Filomarino in Naples. A geometric pattern surrounds Croce’s bust; these elements consume the top three-quarters of the obverse. In the bottom quarter segment are the words REPUBBLICA ITALIANA in two horizontal lines in a clear field. On the right in a vertical line is PETRASSI, the surname of the coin’s designer, Silvia Petrassi.

Reverse:

A seated figure as seen in a fresco by Renaissance-era architect and painter Raphael entitled Allegory of Philosophy anchors the reverse; the work can also be seen at the Pontifical Palace, Room of the Segnatura in Vatican City. BENEDETTO CROCE surrounds the upper half of the design, with the head of the allegorical figure dividing Croce’s first and last names. On the left in two lines is an 1866-2016 dual date feature representing the 150th anniversary of Croce’s birth. In the center right is an R mintmark for the Mint of Rome, and in the lower-right third of the coin is the denomination 5 EURO. A geometric pattern similar to that seen on the obverse graces the background of the reverse.

Designer(s): Silvia Petrassi is an artist/engraver who has designed several two-euro and five-euro coins for Italy and the Vatican.

Coin Specifications:

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