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CC 95 2011
Coin set
BU
Coin set BU with €5
Italy · 150 years of the Unification of Italy
Mintage18,000
Issue price€55.00
Issue date22 Apr 2011
PackagingCoin set
Edge lettering2 ★ × 6, alternately upright/inverted
Market price€37.00
Issue occasion
The coin commemorates the 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy. The design shows three waving Italian flags as a symbol of the anniversary years 1911, 1961 and 2011 and thus of the connection between the generations. It is complemented by the inscription “150o DELL’UNITA’ D’ITALIA” and the years “1861 › 2011 › ›”.
The design
The coin’s inner part shows three waving Italian flags in the center, symbolizing the last three 50-year celebrations — 1911, 1961 and 2011 — and thus creating a perfect connection between the generations: this is the logo of the 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy. Above the flags is the inscription “150o DELL’UNITA’ D’ITALIA” (150th anniversary of the unification of Italy), and to their right is the issuing state “RI” (Republic of Italy). Below the flags are the years “1861 › 2011 › ›”, with the mint mark “R” stamped centrally underneath. To the right are the artist’s initials “Ettore Lorenzo Frapiccini”, followed by the designation “Incisore” (engraver) in abbreviated form as “ELF INC.”
The twelve stars of the European flag are depicted on the coin’s outer ring.
The twelve stars of the European flag are depicted on the coin’s outer ring.
Background on the topic
Italian unification was not a single act, but a longer political and military process known as the Risorgimento. After the Congress of Vienna in 1815, the Apennine Peninsula consisted of several states. Austria ruled Lombardy and Venetia and also exerted influence over other territories. In addition, there were the Kingdom of Sardinia-Piedmont, the Papal States and the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, among others. Liberal and national movements called for constitutions, political participation and an Italian nation-state.
Sardinia-Piedmont became the driving force behind unification. Prime Minister Camillo Benso di Cavour relied on diplomacy and war to push back Austrian rule in northern Italy. At the same time, in 1860 Giuseppe Garibaldi conquered the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies with a volunteer army. The conquered territories were united with Sardinia-Piedmont. On 17 March 1861, the parliament in Turin proclaimed the Kingdom of Italy; Victor Emmanuel II became its king.
Territorial unification was not yet complete. Venetia became part of Italy in 1866. Rome was captured in 1870 after French troops could no longer protect the city for the Pope. Rome became the capital in 1871. Relations between the Italian state and the papacy remained unresolved for decades thereafter.
Social integration also proceeded slowly. Regional languages and identities, major economic differences between the north and south, and initially limited political participation shaped the new state. State schools, military service, administration and public commemorative celebrations were intended to promote a common national consciousness.
The anniversary celebrations reflected their respective periods. In 1911, the liberal kingdom presented itself with exhibitions in Turin, Rome and Florence. The 1961 celebrations took place during a period of rapid industrialisation and economic growth; once again, the focus was on Turin, Italy’s first capital. In 2011, the founding anniversary was commemorated with state ceremonies, exhibitions and public events. The coin issue formed part of this official year of remembrance and referred to the creation of the present-day Italian nation-state.
Sardinia-Piedmont became the driving force behind unification. Prime Minister Camillo Benso di Cavour relied on diplomacy and war to push back Austrian rule in northern Italy. At the same time, in 1860 Giuseppe Garibaldi conquered the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies with a volunteer army. The conquered territories were united with Sardinia-Piedmont. On 17 March 1861, the parliament in Turin proclaimed the Kingdom of Italy; Victor Emmanuel II became its king.
Territorial unification was not yet complete. Venetia became part of Italy in 1866. Rome was captured in 1870 after French troops could no longer protect the city for the Pope. Rome became the capital in 1871. Relations between the Italian state and the papacy remained unresolved for decades thereafter.
Social integration also proceeded slowly. Regional languages and identities, major economic differences between the north and south, and initially limited political participation shaped the new state. State schools, military service, administration and public commemorative celebrations were intended to promote a common national consciousness.
The anniversary celebrations reflected their respective periods. In 1911, the liberal kingdom presented itself with exhibitions in Turin, Rome and Florence. The 1961 celebrations took place during a period of rapid industrialisation and economic growth; once again, the focus was on Turin, Italy’s first capital. In 2011, the founding anniversary was commemorated with state ceremonies, exhibitions and public events. The coin issue formed part of this official year of remembrance and referred to the creation of the present-day Italian nation-state.
Interesting Facts
This coin set contains all eight circulation coins from 1 cent to 2 euro, as well as this 2-euro commemorative coin and the 5-euro coin “100 years L'Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato (IPZS)” (face value: 10,88 €)