2 Euro Italy 2026 "Carlo Collodi" Reverse Proof Coin

Italy 2 Euro 2026 – Carlo Collodi / Pinocchio (Reverse Proof) is a highly distinctive Italian commemorative euro coin marking the 200th anniversary of the birth of Carlo Collodi (1826–2026), the Florentine writer best known worldwide as the author of The Adventures of Pinocchio. Issued by the Italian Republic on 5 March 2026, this edition is especially notable because it represents the first Italian €2 coin ever produced in Reverse Proof finish.

The commemorative design is centered on Pinocchio in a dynamic dancing pose, capturing the playful and theatrical character of Collodi's famous literary creation. A particularly clever secondary element appears in the field: Pinocchio's shadow depicts the Talking Cricket balanced on the tip of his lengthening nose, referring to one of the most recognizable episodes of the story, in which the puppet's nose grows after telling a lie. The composition therefore combines the physical figure of Pinocchio with a symbolic reference to one of the defining themes of the original tale.

The Reverse Proof finish gives this particular version a completely different visual character from the standard Proof issue. Instead of a conventional mirror-like background with frosted relief, the background is satin/matte while the raised design elements are polished and reflective. This reversed relationship between the fields and relief creates strong optical contrast and makes the modelling of Pinocchio and the surrounding inscriptions especially prominent under changing light. The inscriptions CARLO COLLODI, 1826–2026 and PINOCCHIO clearly identify both the author and the literary character commemorated by the coin.

Carlo Collodi was born Carlo Lorenzini in Florence in 1826 and adopted the pen name Collodi, associated with the Tuscan town connected with his family. His career included journalism, literary work, translation and political satire, while his most enduring legacy came from The Adventures of Pinocchio. The 2026 coin transforms this important anniversary into a modern numismatic composition, while the extremely limited 5,000-piece Reverse Proof mintage makes this finish particularly distinctive for collectors of Italian commemorative €2 coins.

Specifications:

• Country: Italy
• Denomination: 2 Euro
• Year: 2026
• Theme: 200th anniversary of the birth of Carlo Collodi – Pinocchio
• Quality: Reverse Proof
• Mintage: 5,000 pieces
• Metal: Bimetallic
• Weight: 8.50 g
• Diameter: 25.75 mm
• Thickness: 2.20 mm
• Shape: Round
• Mint: Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato (IPZS), Rome
• Designer: Marta Bonifacio
• Issue date: 5 March 2026
• Edge: Fine reeding with the inscription “2 ★” repeated six times, alternately upright and inverted
• Special feature: First Italian 2 Euro commemorative coin issued in Reverse Proof finish
• Packaging: Original presentation case with certificate

Package includes: Italy 2 Euro 2026 Carlo Collodi – Pinocchio commemorative coin in Reverse Proof quality, original presentation case and certificate of authenticity.