Coin Festival

Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Ionian coast of Basilicata, the village of Rotondella will host the Coin Festival from 2 to 4 May 2026, a cultural event that transforms an everyday object such as the coin into a key to understanding the history, society and identity of peoples.

The event is the result of a collaboration between the Municipality of Rotondella, the Nicola Ielpo Numismatic Museum and the University of Basilicata, with the aim of promoting numismatic culture and creating a forum for scholars, researchers and enthusiasts to come together.

During the festival, archaeology, history, philosophy and communication intertwine in a multidisciplinary programme that explores the value of coins not only as economic instruments, but also as witnesses to civilisations, political power and social transformations. Throughout the centuries, indeed, coins have told stories of trade, conquests, symbols and cultural identities.

The programme features seminars, talks, workshops and educational sessions, designed to engage not only specialists but also members of the public, students and anyone with an interest in the subject. These activities offer an accessible and stimulating introduction to numismatics, providing a fresh perspective on understanding the past and interpreting the present.

The Coin Festival also represents an important opportunity to promote the cultural heritage of Basilicata’s inland areas and to strengthen Rotondella’s role as a centre for research and public engagement.

Combining study, remembrance and discovery, the event invites us to view coins not merely as objects of economic value, but as small fragments of history capable of recounting humanity’s journey through time.