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Commemorative coin of the Italian Republic, 2 euros, issued in 2018 in a circulation of 4,000,000 copies. Dedicated to the 60th anniversary of the Italian Ministry of Health. The author of the design is Silvia Petrassi. Bimetallic, diameter 25.75 mm, weight 8.5 g. Minted at the IPZS in Rome.
Overse
The coin depicts an allegory of healthcare - stylized symbols of medicine, such as the rod of Asclepius (with a snake entwined - an ancient symbol of medicine) and other medical attributes. At the top, in an arc, is the inscription "MINISTERO DELLA SALUTE" (Ministry of Health), below - the years "1958-2018". Also on the coin's field is the monogram "RI" (Repubblica Italiana), the mint mark "R" (Rome) and the initials of the author. On the outer ring are the 12 five-pointed stars of the European Union.
Reverse
The reverse is the common side of the 2 euro coins of the second type, designed by Luc Luix (Royal Belgian Mint). It depicts a map of Europe as a single continent without internal borders - a symbol of European unity. On the left is a large denomination "2" and the inscription "EURO", on the right is a map with six thin horizontal lines in the background. On the outer ring are the 12 stars of the European Union. The band is finely fluted and has the inscription "2 ★", repeated six times, alternately upright and inverted.
Historical context
The Italian Ministry of Health (Ministero della Salute) is the central body of the Italian executive branch responsible for the health of citizens. It was founded on 13 March 1958, emerging from the High Commission for Hygiene and Public Health. The first minister was Vittorino Veronchesi. The ministry is a key element of the National Health System (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale, SSN), established by Law No. 833 of 23 December 1978, which provides universal and free coverage of citizens with medical care - one of the most effective in the world. The functions of the ministry are: planning national health policy, control of the pharmaceutical market, coordination of the fight against epidemics, regulation of medical professions, veterinary health, sanitary supervision of food products. It also coordinates the Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA) and the Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS). Headquarters are in Rome at Piazzale dell'Industria.