25 euro - 150th anniversary of the death of Alessandro Manzoni

This year marks the 150th anniversary of the death of Alessandro Manzoni, one of the most important writers in Italian literature. The Vatican State Mint is celebrating this anniversary with the issue of two coins: a 2 euro bimetallic coin (in the double version of Brilliant Uncirculated and Proof) and a 25 euro rectangular colour silver coin. The 2 euro coin is designed by artist Gabriella Titotto and features Manzoni’s portrait in the centre with his signature below; on the right behind the inkwell and quill are opening words of his famous historical novel “I Promessi Sposi” (The Betrothed). On the left is a laurel branch as a sign of the enduring fame of the great writer. The 25 euro coin designed by Loredana Pancotto depicts in the foreground the portrait of the writer. Next to him are two symbolic images of the novel: the “branch” of Lake Como described in the opening of “I Promessi Sposi” and further below the two protagonists: Renzo Tramaglino and Lucia Mondella.