Rome, 15 July 2026 – “I am deeply honoured by this tribute that the Ministry of Economy and Finance, through the work of the State Mint, has chosen to dedicate to my operatic career. I am pleased that, thanks to this coin, my family, my children and my friends will be able to preserve a tangible memory of my image and of my artistic journey as a musician and orchestra conductor.”

With these words, delivered in a video message, Maestro Riccardo Muti expressed his gratitude for the issuance of the coin dedicated to him. The recognition celebrates one of the most distinguished figures on the international music scene and his extraordinary contribution to promoting Italian musical culture around the world.

The coin, “Illustrious Italians: Riccardo Muti”, issued by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, was designed by artist Monica Ciucci and minted by the State Mint of Italy (Zecca dello Stato).

TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION

Obverse:
Portrait of Maestro Riccardo Muti. Around the right edge appears the inscription “REPUBBLICA ITALIANA”, with “2026”, the year of issue, immediately below. At the lower left is the letter “R”, identifying the Mint of Rome.

Reverse:
In the foreground, Maestro Muti’s hands emerge elegantly in the act of evoking music, represented by lines depicting sound waves and by a spiral formed by a musical staff with musical notes. At the centre, following the movement of the spiral, appear the inscriptions “CANTARE AMANTIS EST” and “RICCARDO MUTI”. At the top is the denomination “3 EURO”. At the lower right is the designer’s signature, “M. CIUCCI”.

Further details and purchasing information for the coins of the 2026 Numismatic Collection of the Italian Republic are available from the IPZS Online Shop.