Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics Commemorative Coins
The excitement is building for the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, set to commence on February 6. In celebration, Taiyo Coin Co., based in Chuo, Tokyo, is making available for pre-order the official commemorative coins starting January 13. Featuring iconic elements such as the Olympic torch and pictograms representing key sports, these coins are crafted by the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato, the Italian State Mint, which is also responsible for producing the event's medals.
Unique Commemorative Coins
A portion of the proceeds from the sale of these commemorative coins will support the Japan Olympic Committee and aid in enhancing Team Japan's athletes and promoting Olympic movements. The coins showcase a refined and minimalist design, reflecting the official look of the event, with a gold coin featuring an elegantly curved depiction of the Olympic torch and flame on one side, while the opposite side highlights the event's emblem.
Additionally, a series of silver coins will feature official pictograms from four prominent sports: curling, speed skating, snowboarding, and ski jumping.
Highlights of the Gold Coins
The commemorative gold coins come in two weights: one ounce (approximately 31 grams) and one-fourth ounce (approximately 7.8 grams). The reverse side beautifully expresses the flame and torch of the Olympics through graceful curves, while surrounding inscriptions in Italian proclaim “Viaggio della Fiamma Olimpica” (Journey of the Olympic Flame). The front prominently displays the event's emblem, Futura, designed in a flowing script that forms the number “26.”
Silver Coins Featuring Official Pictograms
The silver coin set includes the aforementioned four sports represented by dynamic and modern designs of their official pictograms. Each silver coin has a unique depiction that elegantly varies in matte finish for the snow or ice portions, reflecting the essence of each sport. These innovative designs are a nod to the tradition of using pictograms, which started with the Tokyo 1964 Olympics.
Heritage and Craftsmanship of Italian Coins
Italy has a long history with currency dating back to the second century BC when silver coins served as main currency during the Roman Empire. The commemorative coins reflect meticulous craftsmanship, including a serrated edge as a means of fraud prevention—an ancient technique still revered today. The gold coins carry a purity of 99.99% while the silver coins boast a purity of 99.90%, ensuring their high quality and aesthetic finish.
Pricing and Availability
- - 50 Euro Gold Coin: ¥1,320,000 (Limited to 250 pieces)
- - 20 Euro Gold Coin: ¥330,000 (Limited to 550 pieces)
- - Set of Silver Coins: ¥99,000 (Limited to 800 sets)
Pre-order Period: January 13 to January 30, 2026, or until the limited quantities are sold out.
These coins will be available through major banks in Japan including Resona Bank, as well as various regional banks across the country and labor credit unions.
About the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato
Established in 1928, the Italian State Mint is the leading institution for coinage in Italy, with its craft rooted in a rich history that extends over 2,000 years. Celebrated for its sophisticated designs and innovative techniques, the mint produced its first Olympic commemorative coins for the Torino 2006 Winter Olympics, achieving great popularity in Japan. For the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, the mint will also be responsible for creating the medals awarded to the athletes.