October 10, 2013 – The Italian Mint has launched a new series of silver coins ‘Villas and Historical Gardens’: the first issue is dedicated to Hadrian’s Villa, a large Roman archaeological complex at Tivoli, built in the 2nd Century as a magnificent retreat for Emperor Hadrian.
Hadrian’s Villa, Tivoli, Lazio, Italy. The Maritime Theatre. Photo: Tango 7174 / http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en
The villa was the greatest Roman example of an Alexandrian garden, recreating a sacred landscape. It included over 30 buildings palaces, several thermae, theatre, temples, libraries, state rooms and quarters for courtiers, praetorians and slaves.
Italy / 5 EUR / .925 silver / 18g / 32mm / design: Maria Angela Cassol / Mintage: 7,000.
On the obverse of the coin a lifelike mosaic depicting a group of doves around a bowl is shown, while you see on the reverse the representation of the Maritime Theatre. The 5 euro silver proof coin was issued on Oct. 3rd.
For more information on this and other coins visit the website of The Italian Mint.
You can learn more about the magnificent villa here …
… and here.
This is a video clip of a 3D reconstruction of the Maritime Theatre you see in the photograph above.
And in this video clip you can watch a 3D reconstruction of the whole villa.