2381) Ukraine's War against the Russian Aggressors: A Silver Medal issued by the Vatican City State Mint (Commercializzazione Filatelica e Numismatica Governatorato (CFN) - Stato della Vatican City) on the theme of "PEACE IN UKRAINE": Date of Medal issue: 20.05.2022:
The Obverse and Reverse of the Silver Medal placed against a background image of Pope Francis
The Vatican City State Mint has on 20.05.2022 has issued an official medal on the theme of Peace in Ukraine, and as a way to join calls for a halt to weapons and a return to dialogue. The Silver medal has been released for fundraising and focusses on Ukrainian invasion and war relief.
A Brief:
On the 24.02.2022, Russian armed forces began the war against Ukraine by crossing over internationally recognised borders and occupying Ukrainian territory.
Images appeared before the eyes of the whole world that one hoped had been relegated forever to the dark depths of everyone's memory.
But here again, images full of the folly of man against man, suffering, fear and death are being seen in the destroyed cities, gutted buildings, crumbling roads, collapsed bridges, broken trees, dead people, broken families, the weeping of women and the heartbreak of children, the elderly uprooted from their homes, massacres, refugees, millions fleeing the horrors.
This is war, which Pope Benedict XV in his heartfelt appeals to rulers more than a century ago, termed ‘a useless slaughter’.
The Medal:
The medal has been minted by the Alberti Visconti Senesi Metals Manufacturing — AVS at their facilities in Pognano, Bergamo, Italy on behalf of the Commercializzazione Filatelica e Numismatica — CFN and are designed by Orietta Rossi (Obverse) and Daniela Longo (Reverse).
The Obverse side depicts three generations of one family fleeing from a city destroyed by bombs with their entire lives in a suitcase, a child carries her stuffed toy and is guided by her mother who is walking towards us reminding everyone of a duty to comfort and show solidarity.
At the top, in both Latin and Cyrillic texts are the words "PAX – MИP" (“peace”).
The Reverse side depicts a dove of peace with an olive branch above the name of Pope Francis and his Coat of Arms.
The text in Italian is part of a special prayer the Pope recited during his general audience on the 16.03.2022, asking God to forgive humanity for waging war, especially the war in Ukraine, which reads:
"SIGNORE GESÙ, NATO SOTTO LE BOMBE DI KYIV, MORTO IN BRACCIO ALLA MAMMA IN UN BUNKER DI KHARKIV, MANDATO VENTENNE AL FRONTE, ABBI PIETÀ DI NOI."
“Lord Jesus, born under bombs falling on Kyiv, who died in a mother’s arms in a bunker in Kharkiv, a 20-year-old sent to the front lines, have mercy on us.” – Franciscus, Pontifex Maximus.
The specification of the Silver Medal are:
Country of issue: The Vatican; Date/Year: 20.05.2022; Coin Series Theme: "PEACE"; Coin Theme: "Health Care"; Metal Composition: .925 Fineness Silver (Ag); Weight: 23.00 grams; Diameter/Size: 35.00 mm; Minted by: Alberti Visconti Senesi Metals Manufacturing — AVS at their facilities in Pognano, Bergamo, Italy; On Behalf of: Commercializzazione Filatelica e Numismatica — CFN; Mintage: 120 pieces; Designers: Orietta Rossi (Obverse) and Daniela Longo (Reverse); Packaging: - Each medal is priced at €50 and presented in a printed box with an image of Pope Francis.
- The Commercializzazione Filatelica e Numismatica — CFN has advised that all proceeds from the sale of the medals will be donated to the foundation of the Holy Father for charitable work in favour of the Ukrainian people.