Rome, 5 June 2026 – Italian Cuisine officially joins the Numismatic Collection of the Italian Republic with a special €5 silver coin dedicated to UNESCO’s recognition of Italian Cuisine as Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Italian cuisine represents a living heritage of knowledge, practices, and rituals passed down through generations. It embodies the biodiversity of Italy’s regions and stands as one of the most widely recognised symbols of Italian excellence around the world. Struck in 925‰ silver with coloured elements and a Brilliant Uncirculated finish, the new coin celebrates this important cultural and institutional achievement, acknowledging Italian cuisine as a social practice deeply rooted in the country’s history, culture, and way of life.

The obverse features Italia Turrita holding the Italian Tricolour, symbols of the Republic and national unity. The reverse is dedicated to the official logo of the Italian Cuisine UNESCO candidature, unveiled on 4 August 2023 at the Amphitheatre of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii. The logo was created by the Scuola dell’Arte della Medaglia of the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato, a historic centre of excellence in artistic education and medal engraving.

The “Italian Cuisine UNESCO Heritage” €5 coin, issued by the Ministry of Economy and Finance and produced by the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato, was designed by engraver Silvia Petrassi and minted at the State Mint’s workshops.

For further details and purchasing information regarding the coins of the 2026 Numismatic Collection of the Italian Republic, please visit the IPZS online shop.