Italy's 2021 Numismatic Collection Honors Dante, Morricone, Caravaggio

The Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) and the State Mint (Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato) have unveiled the 2021 Numismatic Collection, celebrating Italian cultural icons and contemporary heroes. The collection features coins dedicated to poet Dante Alighieri (700th anniversary), composer Ennio Morricone, and artist Caravaggio (450th birth anniversary). A special €2 coin honors healthcare workers during the Covid-19 pandemic. Other themes include sports (Alpine Ski World Championships, Italian Basketball Federation), inventor Antonio Meucci, writer Grazia Deledda, and products like Nutella and Emilia-Romagna's tortellini and lambrusco. The coins also depict Emperor Constantine and the historic Lira, and address environmental issues like polar bear extinction. The collection was presented at the Museo della Zecca in Rome on January 26, 2021. Alessandro Rivera, Director General of the Treasury, noted that forced digitalization during the pandemic boosted online sales, attracting a younger audience under 40. For the first time, international purchases will be possible via the IPZS portal and a dedicated app. CEO Paolo Aielli emphasized the balance between history, culture, and modernity.