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БългарскиReverse
Obverse
Italy · UN World Food Programme
Issue date13 Dec 2004
Total mintage16,000,000
EU maximum16,000,000
Editions1
Edge lettering2 ★ × 6, alternately upright/inverted
InscriptionWORLD FOOD PROGRAMME / R / I / U / P / R / 2004
DesignerUliana Pernazza
mintBisher wurden alle italienischen 2€CC geprägt bei:
Instituto Poligrafico e Zecca Dello Stato, Roma
Issue occasion
The coin commemorates the fifth decade of the existence of the World Food Programme (Welternährungsprogramm). The design shows a globe tilted to the right bearing the inscription “WORLD FOOD PROGRAMME”, framed by ears of rice and wheat and an ear of corn as symbols of the world’s three staple food sources. Alongside, the letters “R” and “I” stand for “Repubblica Italiana”, while the initials “U” and “P” represent the engraver Uliana Pernazza.
The design
The coin design shows, in the foreground, the globe tilted to the right with the inscription “WORLD FOOD PROGRAMME”, framed by rice and wheat ears and an ear of corn, symbolizing the three basic food sources of the world. To the right of the stylized globe are the superimposed letters “R” and “I” for “Repubblica Italiana”, with the smaller initials “U” and “P” of the engraver Uliana Pernazza below. The mintmark “R” is located in the upper right of the depicted globe, with the year “2004” below the coin design. The twelve stars of the European Union adorn the outer ring of the coin.
Background on the topic
The United Nations World Food Programme, internationally known as the World Food Programme (WFP), was established on a provisional basis in 1961 at the initiative of the United Nations General Assembly and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). It began its regular activities in 1963; in 1965, it was confirmed as a permanent programme. The reference to the “fifth decade” therefore does not relate to an exact fiftieth anniversary, but rather to the organisation’s entry into a further period of activity.
Originally, the programme was intended to make surplus food available for international relief efforts. Its tasks subsequently evolved. The WFP provides food assistance after natural disasters, during wars and in situations involving population displacement. In addition to the immediate distribution of food, this includes cash or voucher assistance, school meals and nutrition programmes for particularly vulnerable population groups. Because of its transport, storage and logistics structures, it also undertakes tasks for other relief organisations during humanitarian crises. Its work is financed primarily through voluntary contributions from states.
The connection with Italy arises in particular from the WFP’s headquarters in Rome. The FAO and the International Fund for Agricultural Development are also located there. Rome is therefore the site of the three organisations of the UN system focused on food, agriculture and rural development. Italy has also been closely associated with the accommodation and work of these institutions since their establishment.
The coin issue therefore did not honour a specific relief operation or historical figure. Rather, the occasion was the long-standing activity of an international organisation based in Italy. At the same time, the issue was among the first national 2-euro commemorative coins: such special issues intended for circulation had only been made possible for the euro area countries by a European regulation of 2003. Italy chose a theme with a direct institutional connection to Rome and to international cooperation in the field of food assistance.
Originally, the programme was intended to make surplus food available for international relief efforts. Its tasks subsequently evolved. The WFP provides food assistance after natural disasters, during wars and in situations involving population displacement. In addition to the immediate distribution of food, this includes cash or voucher assistance, school meals and nutrition programmes for particularly vulnerable population groups. Because of its transport, storage and logistics structures, it also undertakes tasks for other relief organisations during humanitarian crises. Its work is financed primarily through voluntary contributions from states.
The connection with Italy arises in particular from the WFP’s headquarters in Rome. The FAO and the International Fund for Agricultural Development are also located there. Rome is therefore the site of the three organisations of the UN system focused on food, agriculture and rural development. Italy has also been closely associated with the accommodation and work of these institutions since their establishment.
The coin issue therefore did not honour a specific relief operation or historical figure. Rather, the occasion was the long-standing activity of an international organisation based in Italy. At the same time, the issue was among the first national 2-euro commemorative coins: such special issues intended for circulation had only been made possible for the euro area countries by a European regulation of 2003. Italy chose a theme with a direct institutional connection to Rome and to international cooperation in the field of food assistance.
eBay price analysis
For this issue, there is a price history based on actual eBay sales – with median, range and number of sales
View price analysis2 Euro BU
- Mintage
- 16,000,000
- Market price
- €7.23
- Edge lettering
- 2 ★ × 6, alternately upright/inverted
Mintage by issue type
BU
16,000,000
Additional information
Blisterausgabe des WFP mit st-Münze aus Gesamtauflage existiert, Auflage unbekannt.