Polygraphic Institute and State Mint S.p.A. - School of the Art of the Medal

The Polygraphic Institute, founded in 1928, has the primary purpose of making graphic products, paper converting, paper and cellulose; it also prints the Official Gazette and the Official Collection of the legislative acts of the Italian Republic, also by electronic means, and publishes works in the artistic, archaeological, literary and legal sectors. As part of the minting of metals, the Mint provides for the creation of state, commemorative and celebratory coins, medals, badges, official seals and all metal marks bearing the state emblem.

The Mint is also home to the School of the Art of the Medal, a world famous school of art, technique and high craftsmanship, founded in 1907 with the aim of making young people specialize in the arts of engraving and modeling. It stands in the historic building in via Principe Umberto, in the Esquilino district, where it still operates today. Over time, the teaching and activities of the School have been extended and updated so that other teaching subjects have been added to the original disciplines of bas-relief modeling and direct-cut engraving. The presence of the School within a productive context, the Mint, has meant that the study of art and the training offer are always applied to the work and the real needs of the factory.

Inside the Mint there is also the Museum where, during the works for the construction of the new building, the remains of an imperial-era mausoleum from the 2nd century AD were found. The Museum houses collections of coins, medals, cones, punches and wax models as well as copies of each newly issued coin and medal. There is also a collection of wax models by Benedetto Pistrucci, author of the British pound model depicting St.George and the dragon, still in use today at the British Royal Mint.

Photo credits: courtesy of Polygraphic Institute and State Mint S.p.A.-School of the Art of the Medal official site