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Mike Bentley CC BY-NC

2 Euro (Saint Peter and Saint Paul) – Vatican City

Non-circulating coins
Commemoration: 1950th anniversary of the martyrdom of Saint Peter and Saint Paul
Vatican City
Context
Year: 2017
Issuer: Vatican City Issuer flag
Ruler: Francis
Currency:
(since 2002)
Total mintage: 90,000
Material
Diameter: 25.75 mm
Weight: 8.5 g
Thickness: 2.2 mm
Shape: Round
Composition: Bimetallic (Nickel brass center, Copper-nickel ring)
Technique: Milled
Alignment: Medal alignment
Obverse
OBVERSE ↑
flip
Reverse
REVERSE ↑
References
KM: #Click to copy to clipboard495
Numista: #114887
Value
Exchange value: 2 EUR = $2.36

Obverse

Description:
The design features Saints Peter and Paul with their symbols, the keys and sword. "CITTÀ DEL VATICANO" arches across the top, while "1950o DEL MARTIRIO DEI SANTI PIETRO E PAOLO" arches below. The bottom shows the year "2017", the mint mark "R", and the artist's name "G. TITOTTO". The outer ring features the 12 stars of the European flag.
Inscription:
CITTÀ DEL VATICANO

1950° DEL MARTIRIO DEI SANTI PIETRO E PAOLO

2017 R

G. TITOTTO

MOMONI INC.
Translation:
VATICAN CITY

1950th ANNIVERSARY OF THE MARTYRDOM OF SAINTS PETER AND PAUL

2017 R

G. TITOTTO

MOMONI INC.
Script: Latin
Language: Italian

Reverse

Description:
A map shows Europe borderless beside its face value.
Inscription:
2 EURO

LL
Script: Latin
Engraver: Luc Luycx

Edge

Finely reeded with edge lettering: six times the sequence "2 * " alternately upright and inverted.
Legend:
2 * 2 * 2 * 2 * 2 *

Mints

NameMark
RomeR

Mintings

YearMint MarkMintageQualityCollection
2017R80,000BU
2017R10,000Proof

Historical background

In 2017, Vatican City’s currency situation was defined by its unique status as a sovereign city-state within the Eurozone. As a result of the Lateran Treaty with Italy and subsequent agreements with the European Union, Vatican City is not a formal EU member but has a special arrangement allowing it to use the euro as its official currency. Since 2002, it has issued its own limited series of euro coins, which are legal tender across the Eurozone and highly sought after by collectors. These coins feature distinctive designs, often with the image of the reigning Pope, and their minting is strictly capped by an agreement with Italy, acting on behalf of the EU.

The year 2017 saw the continuation of this established system, with the issuance of Vatican euro coins bearing the effigy of Pope Francis. The financial context, however, was still influenced by ongoing reforms initiated under Pope Francis to improve transparency and combat financial misconduct following past scandals. The Institute for the Works of Religion (IOR), often called the Vatican Bank, continued its path of compliance with international anti-money laundering standards, a process that had intensified in the preceding years. This reform effort was crucial for maintaining the Vatican's banking relationships and its ability to operate within the global financial system while using the euro.

Overall, the currency situation in Vatican City in 2017 was one of stability in its monetary issuance but of continued evolution in its broader financial governance. The euro provided a stable and credible currency, while internal reforms aimed to ensure that the city-state's financial institutions operated with greater accountability and in line with European norms. This period represented a balance between maintaining a traditional numismatic program and adapting to modern international financial regulations.
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