Bust of Francesco Borromini modelled after a self-portrait conserved in the church of San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane in Rome; in the background, the helicoidal staircase of Palazzo Barberini in Rome; around, “REPUBBLICA ITALIANA” with bees, symbol of the Barberini family, and the name of the designer “U. PERNAZZA” inbetween.
Obverse script
Latin
Obverse lettering
REPUBBLICA ITALIANA
U. PERNAZZA
Reverse description
Detail from the “lanternino”, the small lantern of Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza inscribed in the floor plan of the church and flanked by the value “20 EURO”; above, “BORROMINI”; on the right, the letter “R” identifying the Mint of Rome; on the left, an eight-pointed star, detail of the interior of the church’s dome; below, “1667” and “2017”, the year of Borromini‘s death and that of the coin’s issue respectively.