5 Euro Pietro Beretta Arms Factory

Fabbrica d'Armi Pietro Beretta, founded in 1526 in Gardone Val Trompia, holds the distinction of being one of the oldest continuously operating manufacturing firms in the world — and almost certainly the oldest firearms manufacturer still trading under the founding family name. The 2026 issue marks the company's 500th anniversary. Beretta supplied arms to the Venetian Republic within decades of its founding, and the family has retained majority control across twenty-five generations without interruption.

Italy's commemorative five-euro silver program has increasingly honored industrial heritage alongside the expected cultural monuments. The Beretta commemoration is unusual in that its subject remains an active defense contractor with current NATO supply contracts.