2015-12-11 Fri

World War II ended in 1947 and 2015 marks its 70th anniversary. The European Union commemorated this event with a range of numismatic issues from a number of European mints. The Mint of Italy released a €10 silver coin titled ’70 Years of Peace’ as part of the Europa Star Programme. The programme is an initiative by the European Union to issue legal tender precious metal coins dedicated to the themes that cross national lines and celebrate Europe’s identity. The coin contains 0.925 silver with a proof finish. It is sold directly by the mint has a total mintage of 6000 pieces. The obverse depicts a dove held by the goddess, Europa. The number ‘70’ is incused on her hair and is surrounded by 4 big stars. Olive branches border the dove on the left and right. The inscription along the edge of the coin reads ‘Repubblica Italiana’. The designer’s name, ‘Colaneri’, is inscribed under the bust to the right. The reverse of the coin shows the Goddess of Peace reclining on a chaise with her head being held up by her right arm. She holds an olive branch in her left hand. A dove in a modern art style is seen on the right side of the coin. Above, to the left, a circular array of stars representing the European Union surrounding the ’10 EURO’ inscription can be seen. The mint mark ‘R’ is seen under the chaise along with the dates, ‘1945’ and ‘2015’. The inscription on the bottom reads ’70 Anni Di Pace In Europa’.