In my earlier research into the Euro as I prepare for our trip to Italy, I was looking at the nationality coins and I love the Italian coins!

My mind immediately planned to go to a bank and buy some Italian Euro coin sets, simply assuming that such exist. I'm thinking the square/rectangular little cases with one of each coin in it.

Am I correct in assuming such exist?

I don't know about banks but I have seen such coin sets on sale in coin shops in Rome, at a considerable premium to the total face value. But as they are mint examples (never circulated), they probably are good value.

I doubt that they are a good value if sold at a premium since they are so common. The value of coins depends also on rarity. Some Europeans try to collect a set for each country. I've been told that it is difficult to collect a set of Greek or Finnish coins. These are relatively rare, at least in France.

What you should be looking for are the unopened "starter kits" on ebay. They are little plastic bags with several coins and were sold at the banks 2 weeks before the € was introduced.

Starter kit: http://i9.ebayimg.com/01/i/04/54/95/3e_1_b.JPG

Thanks so far folks!

Logos, I'm not looking to collect for value I just like the coin backs and would like a nice set as a momento for myself and as gifts.

I'll also be looking to pick up a few Vatican City coins for some friends who would cherish a coin with Il Papa on it.

>Vatica City coins
These are collectors items, if the come fresh from the mint. If you manage to, maybe your best bet is to get some out of circulation when you're there. To a collector coins out of circulation are of litte value. If it' "only the backs", go to a grocery store and ask for some change ;-)