Three States, One Tribute to Saint Francis: the Numismatic Triptych Dedicated to the Canticle of the Creatures is born

Italy, San Marino and the Vatican together Celebrate the Saint of Assisi

Rome, 4 May 2026 – “The Canticle of the Creatures”, one of the most celebrated texts of European spiritual and literary tradition, takes center stage in a shared numismatic project involving the Italian Republic, the Republic of San Marino and the Vatican City State. The result is a triptych of copper coins with a nominal value of €0.75 each, conceived as a single narrative in three chapters dedicated to the work composed by Saint Francis of Assisi around 1224, considered the earliest known text of Italian literature whose author is known.

The numismatic project, conceived for the Franciscan celebrations marking the eighth centenary of the Saint’s death—culminating in 2026—interprets the Canticle of Brother Sun – Laudes Creaturarum as a symbolic journey through three central themes of Franciscan thought: cosmic fraternity, connection with the natural world, and gratitude toward God. Each of the three issues develops one of these aspects, creating a unified numismatic narrative.

The three coins share the same obverse, dedicated to the figure of Saint Francis. At the center, in the foreground, the Saint is depicted accompanied by three doves, symbols of peace and beatitude. In the background appears a stylized representation of Mount Subasio and the Umbrian territories that include San Damiano in Assisi, where Francis composed his famous canticle. On the right stands an olive tree, from which begins a stylized depiction of the paths the Saint traveled during his life.

The reverse of the Italian Republic coin, dedicated to the theme of Cosmic Fraternity, recalls the opening of the Canticle, in which Saint Francis praises God through the creatures of the heavens. The background features the sun with its rays, the moon, and the stars, while at the center stands the Tau cross, the quintessential Franciscan symbol. On either side of the composition are two famous passages from the work: one dedicated to “Brother Sun” and the other to “Sister Moon and the stars.”

The coin issued by the Republic of San Marino instead develops the theme of Connection with the Natural World, recalling the verses dedicated to the four fundamental elements—Brother Wind, Sister Water, Sir Fire and Mother Earth—through stylized elements and engraved details, including refined micro-lettering.

The coin of the Vatican City State completes the journey with the theme of Gratitude toward God, inspired by the final verses of the Canticle dedicated to humankind, mercy and “Sister Bodily Death.” The symbolic scene depicts burning incense, accompanied by birds in flight and leaves, allegories of humility and beatitude.

The triptych thus offers a complete interpretation of the “Canticle of the Creatures”, transforming one of the highest expressions of medieval spirituality into numismatic language: a hymn to life, nature, and universal fraternity among all creatures.

The coins composing the triptych “800 anni dalla morte di San Francesco d’Assisi 1226–2026,” issued by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Republic of San Marino, and the Vatican City State Mint and produced by the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato, were designed by engraver Marta Bonifacio and minted at the State Mint workshops.

TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION

Obverse of the Italian Republic coin:

At the center, in the foreground, is the figure of Saint Francis with three doves. In the background, at the top, is a stylized depiction of Mount Subasio and the Umbrian territories hosting San Damiano in Assisi, where Saint Francis composed his most famous work, The Canticle of Brother Sun – Laudes Creaturarum. On the right is an olive tree from which begins the stylized representation of the paths traveled by the Saint. Around the edge, at the lower right, appears the inscription “SAN FRANCESCO D’ASSISI 1226 2026,” indicating the year of the Saint’s death and the year of issue. On the left is the inscription “REPUBBLICA ITALIANA” and the “R” mint mark of Rome. At the lower left is the monogram “MB,” the artist’s signature.

Reverse of the Italian Republic coin:

The background features the sun with its rays, the moon and the stars, protagonists of the first part of the Canticle. In the foreground, at the center, is the Tau cross. On the left is the passage referring to the sun: “Laudato sie, mi’ Signore, cum tucte le TUE creature, spetialmente messor lo frate sole.” On the right is the passage referring to the moon and stars: “Laudato si’, mi’ Signore, per sora luna e le stelle: in celu l’ai formate clarite et pretiose et belle.” At the bottom appears the nominal value “0.75 EURO.”

Obverse of the Republic of San Marino coin:

At the center, in the foreground, is the figure of Saint Francis with three doves. In the background, at the top, is a stylized depiction of Mount Subasio and the Umbrian territories hosting San Damiano in Assisi, where Saint Francis composed “The Canticle of Brother Sun – Laudes Creaturarum”. On the right is an olive tree from which begins the stylized representation of the paths traveled by the Saint and, at the bottom, the letter “R” identifying the Rome Mint. Around the edge, at the lower right, appears “SAN FRANCESCO D’ASSISI 1226–2026.” On the left is the inscription “REPUBBLICA DI SAN MARINO.” At the lower left is the monogram “MB,” the artist’s signature.

Reverse of the Republic of San Marino coin:

The composition centers on the Tau cross, a symbol deeply linked to Franciscan spirituality, surrounded by the four fundamental elements of nature—wind, water, fire and earth—in a symbolic balance evoking the harmony of creation. The design conveys a universal message of respect and stewardship of the environment, in which Saint Francis celebrates nature as an expression of divine creation and recognizes in each element a profound and fraternal bond between humanity and creation. Along the left edge appears the inscription: “LAUDATO SI’, MI’ SIGNORE, PER FRATE VENTO ET PER SOR’ACQUA,” while on the right it continues: “LAUDATO SI’, MI’ SIGNORE, PER FRATE FOCU ET PER SORA NOSTRA MATRE TERRA.” At the bottom center appears the nominal value “0.75 EURO.”

Obverse of the Vatican City State coin:

At the center, in the foreground, is the figure of Saint Francis with three doves. In the background, at the top, is a stylized depiction of Mount Subasio and the Umbrian territories hosting San Damiano in Assisi, where Saint Francis composed The Canticle of Brother Sun – Laudes Creaturarum. On the right is an olive tree from which begins the stylized representation of the paths traveled by the Saint. Around the edge, at the lower right, appears “SAN FRANCESCO D’ASSISI 1226–2026.” On the left is the inscription “CITTÀ DEL VATICANO” and the “R” mint mark of Rome. At the lower left is the monogram “MB,” the artist’s signature.

Reverse of the Vatican City State coin:

The final verses of the Canticle speak of humanity and its virtues. They exhort us to live with gratitude toward God, offering a hymn to Sister Death, who must be “honored and blessed,” here represented as burning incense. In the field, leaves and birds in flight symbolize humility and the blessed souls, that is, detachment from all forms of pride. On the left appears the passage referring to Sister Bodily Death: “Laudato si’, mi’ Signore, per quelli ke perdonano per lo tuo amore et sostengo infirmitate et tribulatione.” On the right appears the final passage: “Laudate et benedicete mi’ Signore et rengratiate e serviateli cum grande umilitate.” At the center is the Tau cross, and at the bottom “0.75 EURO.”

Further details and availability for purchasing coins from the 2026 Numismatic Collection can be found at: www.shop.ipzs.it, www.poste.sm, https://www.cfn.va/it/home-1.html