Rome's Historic School of Medal Art Trains New Generation of Artisans
Established in 1907 at the behest of King Vittorio Emanuele III, the Scuola dell'Arte della Medaglia (SAM) in Rome specializes in training artists in sculpture, engraving, and medallic art. Managed by the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato (IPZS), the institution provides a complimentary three-year program for approximately 15 students each year, chosen through a competitive process. The extensive curriculum encompasses over 4,000 hours of instruction, featuring 11 workshops and 10 unique projects. Many graduates find employment at the Mint, creating coins and medals, including those for the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics, or in the jewelry sector, with eight alumni at Bvlgari. Since 2024, Daniela Longo has directed the school, which is flourishing under Director General Francesco Soro, achieving record enrollment and gaining international acclaim.
Key facts
- Scuola dell'Arte della Medaglia (SAM) founded in 1907 in Rome.
- Founded at request of King Vittorio Emanuele III, known as 're numismatico'.
- Operated by Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato (IPZS), under Ministry of Economy.
- Located at Via Gottardo 146, Rome.
- Free three-year advanced training course, limited to about 15 students per year.
- Selection via competition with drawing from life and bas-relief modeling.
- Curriculum includes over 4,000 hours of training, 11 workshops, 10 special projects annually.
- Application deadline for 2025 is August 31.
- Director since 2024: Daniela Longo, former student.
- Alumni work at the Mint, producing coins and medals for Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics.
- Eight alumni employed by Bvlgari.
- Collaborates with Vatican; Longo created medals for Pope Francis.
- Student projects include reproduction of Marcus Aurelius statue (1997), 2000 Jubilee logo, Carabiniere monument, Ara Coeli jewelry.
- Fani Taurino created 2025 bronze medal for Rome's birthday, presented to Mayor Roberto Gualtieri.
- Notable works: plectrum medal for Pino Daniele (sold out), Amerigo Vespucci commemorative coin by Emanuele Ferretti.
- Revival under new Director General of Economy Francesco Soro with record enrollments and international coverage.
Entities
Artists
- Vittorio Emanuele III
- Daniela Longo
- Fani Taurino
- Benedetto Pistrucci
- Emanuele Ferretti
- Pino Daniele
- Roberto Gualtieri
- Francesco Soro
- Michele Sciscioli
Institutions
- Scuola dell'Arte della Medaglia (SAM)
- Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato (IPZS)
- Ministero dell'Economia
- Bvlgari
- Vaticano
- Artribune
Locations
- Roma
- Italia
- Via Gottardo 146
- Palazzo della Zecca
- Campidoglio
- Piazza Risorgimento
- Ara Coeli
- Piazza Pia
- Milano Cortina 2026