2018-05-16 Wed

Italy released a €5 coin honouring the anniversary of the consecration of the Medieval Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta or Cathedral of Pisa which was declared sacred in 1118 by Pope Gelasius II. The cathedral is located in Pisa, near the Baptistery and the Leaning Tower, in Piazza dei Miracoli, which is also a UNESCO Heritage Site. Construction of the Church began in 1063 by architect Buscheto. The designs depict a combination of classical, Gothic, Lombard-Emilian, Byzantine, and Islamic elements.

The reverse shows the cathedral and a scene from a bronze tile from the Cathedral’s Door of Saint Ranieri by Bonanno Pisano. Other inscriptions include the date of the cathedral’s consecration, 1118 and the year of issue, 2018. An aerial view of Piazza dei Miracoli with the Pisa Baptistery, the Leaning Tower and the cathedral along with the designer’s name A. MASINI are depicted on the obverse. The 18 grams Proof .925 silver €5 coin has a mintage limit of 4,000 pieces and can be purchased for €43.

Image Courtesy: The Italian State Mint