August 15, 2013 – Giuseppe Verdi is considered one of the most famous composers of all times, and his operas continue to be staged throughout the world. On the occasion of his 200th anniversary, the Italian State Mint Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato (IPZS) issues a special 2 euros coin with a depiction of the musical genius on its obverse.
Italy / 2 EUR / nickel, brass and copper / 8.50g / 25.75mm / Mintage: 16,000.
Giuseppe Verdi is considered one of the most influential composers of operas of the 19th century. He was only 29 years old, when success arrived in 1842 with “Nabucco”, which marks the beginning of a long career of triumphs. “Rigoletto”, “Il Trovatore”, “La Traviata”, “Otello”, “Aida” are some of his masterpieces, where brilliant creativity and overwhelming technical mastery are combined in an extraordinary way.
Photograph of Giuseppe Verdi with autograph signature. Source: Collezione Frontini / Wikipedia.
Extremely cultured man and refined composer, gifted with an outstanding dramatic sensibility, Verdi has also been a charismatic protagonist of the “Risorgimento” (the Italian Unification), actively joining its ideals up to becoming Member of the first Parliament of the unified Italy.
For more information on this as well as other special coins, please visit the IPZS website.
You can find the IPZS catalog with the 2013 collector coins here.
Here you can have a look at the Italian Official 200th Anniversary of Giuseppe Verdi website.