Hobo Coin have done some sterling work with copper rounds of late, releasing some very interesting alt-future-past designs across two series. Their latest issue is completely different in theme, and will surely have considerable appeal to the more traditional numismatic collector.

Called Italia, it features on its reverse face the national personification of Italy, Italia Turrita, the latter name for a mural crown she wears, derived from the deity Cybele, which symbolises the city-based civic society that has marked out Italian society for centuries. She carries a shield, emblazoned on which is the Stella d’Italia (Star of Italy), and an olive branch in her hand. It’s a gorgeous, classic portrayal, in the same vein as Britannia, or Germania, for example.

The obverse features a traditional royal coat-of-arms, capped by a crown and mantle. It’s framed below by an olive branch, and an oak branch, which symbolise both peace and strength. The L.5 inscription is a nod to the old Italian Lira, which was a staple on pre-Euro coinage, although this round is not denominated.

This is a one-ounce fine copper bullion coin with a 10,000 piece mintage, and it comes with a Certificate of Authenticity. We’ve said it before, but copper has an increasing importance in modern numismatics, offering an affordable entry point to the hobby in a time of much higher gold and silver prices. With this new offering, Hobo Coin has proven this doesn’t mean compromising on design. A genuinely terrific release, in my view. Available to order now.