Vatican City Annual Proof Set features Exclusive €50 Gold and €20 Silver Commemorative Coins

As the coinage corresponds to the Euro single currency, the reverse side depicts the standard designs which are same for all countries within the Euro-zone. The obverse side depicts the coat of arms of HH Pope Francis, Sovereign of Vatican City State, the inscription CITTA DEL VATICANO and twelve stars. The commemorative €50 gold or €20 silver coins are only available in these sets. 

The base metal, gold and silver commemorative coins are produced by the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato Italiano – IPZS at their facilities in Rome on behalf of the Treasury department of the Vatican City State.

20 Euro silver. The Vatican Mint dedicates the theme of this coin to the allegory of backbiting, a topic often touched upon by Pope Francis and addressed in his speeches, with the words –

‘A person in a community who gossips against his or her neighbour is, in a sense, killing him’

(2nd September 2013)

Also during the Synod of 2023 - 

‘Among the things that most sadden the Holy Spirit are empty words.’

(Paul VI Hall 4th October 2023).

Designed by artist Marianna Frisone, she cleverly depicts on the reverse side a representation of slander by placing two figures in the centre of the coin, a woman speaking into a man’s ear and on the left side of the pair, a little angel who is shown with his index finger resting on his lips signalling silence and thus expressing a warning to measure one’s words carefully. Above the primary design along the upper rim is the text CITTA’ DEL VATICANO with the denomination 20 EURO shown just to the right of the angel.

50 Euro gold. The topic of war and peace features on the reverse side of this year’s gold proof coin. Artist Chiara Principe depicts the concept of war and peace linked by a single element, barbed wire symbolising war and suffering that slowly turns into an olive branch representing peace and rebirth. On the left side of the coin, behind the barbed wire representing war, a man holding a rifle is seen with smoke and rubble in the distance shown in the background. On the right in the foreground, behind the olive branch representing peace, are a father and a little girl with a flower in hand watching two birds fly high in the sky. Above the primary design along the upper rim is the text CITTA’ DEL VATICANO with the denomination divided along with the design – the numeral 50 shown on the left side and the word EURO shown on the right. The design technique involves smooth levels, one with a satin finish and the other with a polished surface.

The obverse side of both 20 and 50 Euro commemorative coins includes common elements of the Papal crest of His Holiness Pope Francis which depicts the papal mitre and crossed keys. Above the crest is the legend FRANCISCUS PP. ANNO XII · MMXXIII (Francis Pope and Pontiff year 12 2024)The papal motto MISERANDO ATQUE ELIGENDO of His Eminence (by having mercy, by choosing him) is shown below the crest.  

Each coin from 20 Euro to one cent or 50 Euro to one cent option are individually encapsulated and presented in a Vatican City State Mint branded custom case accompanied with a certificate of authenticity. For additional information on this and other coins available from the Vatican City State Mint, please visit their online webshop.