For the first time, a triptych of coins celebrates Saint Francis of Assisi

Coins created through a collaboration between Italy, the Vatican, and San Marino unveiled

Assisi, 14 May 2026 – The numismatic triptych dedicated to the Canticle of the Creatures was presented today in the Cimabue Hall of the “Colle del Paradiso” Conference Center within the monumental complex of the Sacred Convent of Saint Francis in Assisi. The project was created through a collaboration between Italy, the Vatican, and San Marino as part of the celebrations marking the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi. Included in the official calendar of Franciscan celebrations, the initiative represents a meeting point between art, spirituality, and numismatics in the symbolic place of the life and message of the Saint of Assisi.

Representatives of the three States issuing the triptych attended the presentation: Sister Raffaella Petrini, President of the Governorate of Vatican City State, Matteo Taglienti, Commercial Manager of  the Italian Mint IPZS, and Gianluca Amici, Director General of Poste San Marino. Also participating were Monsignor Felice Accrocca, Bishop of Assisi–Nocera Umbra–Gualdo Tadino and Foligno, Valter Stoppini, Mayor of Assisi, Stefania Proietti, President of the Umbria Region, Friar Marco Moroni, OFMConv, Custodian of the Sacred Convent of Saint Francis in Assisi, Friar Giulio Cesareo OFMConv, Friar Luca Di Pasquale, OFM, and Marina Rosati, representative of the National Committee for the Celebrations of the 800th Anniversary of the Death of Saint Francis, all of whom supported the project.

The event, moderated by journalist Roberto Ganganelli, brought together more than 200 participants, including students and representatives of civil, religious, and cultural institutions, around an unprecedented project that translates one of the highest expressions of medieval spirituality and literature into the language of numismatics, reaffirming the enduring relevance of the Franciscan message of harmony between humanity, creation, and transcendence.

The coins composing the triptych honoring the 800 years since the death of Saint Francis of Assisi 1226–2026, [800 anni dalla morte di San Francesco d’Assisi 1226-2026], issued by the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Republic of San Marino, and the Mint of Vatican City State, and produced by the IPZS Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato, were designed by engraver Marta Bonifacio and minted at the workshops of the Italian State Mint.

TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE CANTICLE OF THE CREATURES TRIPTYCH

Obverse of the Italian Republic coin: At the center, in the foreground, is the figure of Saint Francis with three doves. In the background, at the top, is a stylized depiction of Mount Subasio and the Umbrian territories surrounding San Damiano in Assisi, where Saint Francis composed his most famous work, Canticle of Brother Sun – Laudes Creaturarum. On the right is an olive tree from which begins the stylized representation of the paths traveled by the Saint. Around the edge, at the lowerright, appears the inscription “SAN FRANCESCO D’ASSISI 1226 2026,” indicating respectively the year of the Saint’s death and the year of issue of the coin. On the left is the inscription “REPUBBLICA ITALIANA” and the “R” mintmark identifying the Mint of Rome. At the lower left is the monogram “MB,” the artist’s signature.

Reverse of the Italian Republic coin: In the background are depicted the sun with its rays, the moon, and the stars, protagonists of the first part of the Canticle. In the foreground, at the center, is the TAU cross. On the left appears the passage concerning the sun: “Laudato sie, mi’ Signore, cum tucte le TUE creature, spetialmente messor lo frate sole” [Praised be You, my Lord, with all Your creatures, especially Sir Brother Sun].

On the right appears the passage concerning the moon and stars: “Laudato si’, mi’ Signore, per sora luna e le stelle: in celu l’ai formate clarite et pretiose et belle” [Praised be You, my Lord, for Sister Moon and the stars: in heaven You formed them bright and precious and beautiful].At the bottom is the nominal value “0.75 EURO.”

Obverse of the Republic of San Marino coin: At the center, in the foreground, is the figure of Saint Francis with three doves. In the background, at the top, is a stylized depiction of Mount Subasio and the Umbrian territories surrounding San Damiano in Assisi, where Saint Francis composed his most famous work, Canticle of Brother Sun – Laudes Creaturarum. On the right is an olive tree from which begins the stylized representation of the paths traveled by the Saint and, below, the letter “R” identifying the Mint of Rome. Around the edge, at the lower right, appears the inscription “SAN FRANCESCO D’ASSISI 1226–2026,” indicating respectively the year of the Saint’s death and the year of issue of the coin. On the left is the inscription “REPUBBLICA DI SAN MARINO.” At the lower left is the monogram “MB,” the artist’s signature.

Reverse of the Republic of San Marino coin: The composition centers on the depiction of the TAU cross, a symbol deeply connected to Franciscan spirituality, together with the four fundamental elements of nature: wind, water, fire, and earth, in a symbolic balance recalling the harmony of creation. The ensemble conveys a universal message of respect for and stewardship of the environment, in which Saint Francis celebrates nature as an expression of divine creation and recognizes in every element a profound and fraternal bond between humanity and creation. On the left, along the edge, runs the inscription “LAUDATO SI’, MI’ SIGNORE, PER FRATE VENTO ET PER SOR’ACQUA,” [Be praised, my Lord, through Brother Wind and through Sister Water] while on the right continues “LAUDATO SI’, MI’ SIGNORE, PER FRATE FOCU ET PER SORA NOSTRA MATRE TERRA” [Be praised, my Lord, through Brother Fire and through our Sister Mother Earth]. At the bottom center appears the nominal value of “0.75 EURO,” completing the composition.

Obverse of the Vatican City State coin: At the center, in the foreground, is the figure of Saint Francis with three doves. In the background, at the top, is a stylized depiction of Mount Subasio and the Umbrian territories surrounding San Damiano in Assisi, where Saint Francis composed his most famous work, Canticle of Brother Sun – Laudes Creaturarum.

On the right is an olive tree from which begins the stylized representation of the paths traveled by the Saint. Around the edge, at the lower right, appears the inscription “SAN FRANCESCO D’ASSISI 1226–2026,” indicating respectively the year of the Saint’s death and the year of issue of the coin. On the left is the inscription “CITTÀ DEL VATICANO” and the “R” mintmark identifying the Mint of Rome. At the lower left is the monogram “MB,” the artist’s signature.

Reverse of the Vatican City State coin: The final stanzas of the Canticle speak of humanity and its virtues. It is an exhortation to live with gratitude toward God, dedicating a hymn to Sister Death, who must be “honored and blessed,” here represented as burning incense. In the field, generic leaves and birds in flight symbolize humility and the souls chosen in blessedness, namely detachment from every form of pride. On the left appears the passage concerning Sister Bodily Death: “Laudato si’, mi’ Signore, per quelli ke perdonano per lo tuo amore et sostengo infirmitate et tribulatione.” [Praised be You, my Lord, through those who forgive for love of You and endure sickness and tribulation.] On the right appears the final passage of the work: “Laudate et benedicete mi’ Signore et rengratiate e serviateli cum grande umilitate.” [Praise and bless my Lord, and give thanks to Him, and serve Him with great humility.] At the center is the TAU cross, at the bottom, “0.75 EURO.”

More details and purchasing availability for the 2026 Numismatic Collection are available at shop.ipzs.it, poste.sm, and cfn.va