Rome, 1 September 2026 – Art, culture and identity come together in a new issue from the Italian Republic’s 2026 Numismatic Collection, dedicated to L’Aquila, the Italian Capital of Culture 2026. The €5 copper coin pays tribute to a city that has transformed its history into a journey of cultural renewal, becoming a symbol of resilience, heritage and innovation.

Through a story engraved in metal, the new coin celebrates some of the landmarks that best embody L’Aquila’s identity, highlighting the value of a community that preserves an artistic and monumental heritage of outstanding significance.

The obverse features the façade of the Basilica of Santa Maria di Collemaggio, one of the city’s most iconic monuments, accompanied by a detail of its celebrated rose window, recalling the architectural richness and spiritual importance of the building.

The reverse depicts the Fountain of the 99 Cannelle, one of L’Aquila’s most renowned landmarks, chosen as a symbol of the city’s origins and history. Together, these two images create a dialogue between landmarks deeply rooted in the collective memory of the region, expressing the cultural significance of a city that in 2026 takes centre stage on the national cultural scene.

At the same time, the 2026 Brilliant Uncirculated Coin Set, featuring all eight circulating Italian euro coins, will also be available.

The €5 coin “Italian Capital of Culture 2026 – L’Aquila”, part of the Italian Capitals of Culture series and issued by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, was designed by Italian State Mint (Zecca dello Stato) engraver Uliana Pernazza.

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Obverse

At the centre, a view of the façade of the Basilica of Santa Maria di Collemaggio, accompanied on the left by a detail of its rose window. The designer’s signature, “U. Pernazza”, appears on the left. The inscription “REPUBBLICA” runs along the upper edge, while “ITALIANA” is positioned along the lower edge.

Reverse

At the centre, a detail of the Fountain of the 99 Cannelle. The inscription “CAPITALE ITALIANA DELLA CULTURA” appears along the upper edge, while “L’AQUILA” is placed below. In the field, at the top centre, are the mintmark “R”, the year of issue “2026” and the coin’s face value, “5 EURO”.