0.75 euro 800th Anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi 1226-2026 – Triptych of Copper coins

Italian Republic coin

Obverse: in the centre, in the foreground, the figure of Saint Francis with three doves. On the upper part of the background is a stylized representation of Mount Subasio and the Umbrian territories of San Damiano in Assisi, where Saint Francis composed his most famous work, the "Canticle of Brother Sun - Laudes Creaturarum". On the right an olive tree, from which begins a stylized representation of the paths the Saint travelled. Arch-shaped, at the bottom right, the inscription "SAN FRANCESCO D'ASSISI 1226 2026", the year of the Saint's death and the year of issue, respectively. At the bottom left “REPUBBLICA ITALIANA” and the monogram "MB", signature of the designer. On the left, the indication of the issuing state and the 'R' identifying the Rome Mint, which struck all the coins of the triptych.

Reverse: the background depicts the sun with its rays, the moon and the stars, protagonists of the first part of the Canticle. In the foreground, in the centre, the Tau cross. On the left, the passage from the opera concerning the sun: “Laudato sie, mi’ Signore, cum tucte le tue creature, spetialmente messor lo frate sole”. On the right is the passage from the opera concerning the moon and the stars: “Laudato si’, mi’ Signore, per sora luna e le stelle: in celu l’ài formate clarite et pretiose et belle”. At the bottom, the coin’s value "0.75 EURO".

Republic of San Marino Coin

Obverse: the obverse tells the story of Saint Francis, highlighting his itinerant nature, bringing material and spiritual support to others wherever they might be; he lived a constant wandering across paths and continents. In the background are the Umbrian hills, commemorating San Damiano in Assisi, where he sought refuge for a period of his life. On the right, along the path, is the inscription "SAN FRANCESCO D'ASSISI 1226 - 2026." On the left, in the field, is "REPUBBLICA DI SAN MARINO" and to the right of the Saint, at the bottom, is the "R," identifying the Mint of Rome. At the bottom left is the monogram "MB," the designer's signature.

Reverse: Saint Francis moves on to the Connection with the natural world in praise of the four fundamental elements: Brother Wind, Sister Water, Lord Fire, and Mother Earth. Coin with microprinting and stylized elements corresponding to the subject of the sung verse. In the centre is the TAU cross, with "0.75 EURO" at the bottom.

Vatican City State Coin

Obverse: the obverse tells the story of Saint Francis, highlighting his itinerant nature, bringing material and spiritual support to others wherever they might be; he lived a constant wandering across paths and continents. In the background are the Umbrian hills, commemorating San Damiano in Assisi, where he sought refuge for a period of his life. On the right, along the path, the inscription "SAN FRANCESCO D'ASSISI 1226 – 2026". On the left, in the field, "CITTÀ DEL VATICANO | R," identifying the Mint of Rome. At the bottom, "MB," the author's monogram.

Reverse: the final verses of the Canticle speak to us of Man and his virtues. It is an exhortation to live with gratitude towards God, dedicating a hymn to Sister Death, who must be "honoured and blessed," and here depicted as burning incense. In the field, generic leaves and flying birds represent humility and the chosen souls in bliss, or detachment from all forms of pride. The coin features micro writing and stylized elements corresponding to the theme of the sung stanza. The TAU cross is in the centre, with "0.75 EURO" written at the bottom.