4358) "Election of New Pontiff", Vatican City: The Commercializzazione Filatelica e Numismatica, (which
translates to Philatelic and Numismatic Marketing) has issued a Commemorative €2 Coin which marks the transition to a New Pope, minted 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: Date of Coins issue: 04.02.2026:
The Vatican Mint and Holy See Treasury -Commercializzazione Filatelica e Numismatica, (which translates to Philatelic and Numismatic Marketing) has isdsued a €2 Coin continuing a centuries-old tradition. of commemorating the election of a new Pope.
The obverse design depicts the Coat of Arms of the
Cardinal Camerlengo (The Cardinal Camerlengo is a cardinal appointed by the
pope to oversee the administration of the Holy See during a papal interregnum,
such as after the death or resignation of a pope. The role includes verifying
the pope's death, managing the papal property, and preparing for the conclave
to elect a new pope. The term "camerlengo" derives from the medieval
Latin word for "chamberlain," indicating the position's historical
significance in the papal administration).
The issuance of these Coins marking the interregnum period
between the death of one Pope and the election of his successor which is a
continuation of a tradition dating back to the 14th century.
This interim
period is known as "Sede Vacante" – which is a Latin phrase simply meaning ‘the
see being vacant’ and in the context of the Catholic Church, it specifically
refers to the period when the papacy is vacant. This period occurs either by
the death or resignation of the pope, and before the election of a new one.
On
this occasion, it was brought upon with the passing away of Pope Francis
on the 21st April 2025.
During this time, the College of Cardinals governs the
Church.
It is the obligation of the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church and the
head of the Camera Apostolica to formally proclaim the passing away of the pope.
The
Camerlengo, as the chief of the Roman Curia conducts normal business after the
death of the pope, and also oversees the burial by presiding over the rite of
ascertainment of death.
Subsequently, the Camerlengo instructs preparation for
the new election by calling all eligible Cardinals to assemble in Vatican City.
With the passing away of Francis, this responsibility was fulfilled by Cardinal Kevin
Farrell who was created a cardinal on the 9th October 2016 by Pope Francis and
installed as Camerlengo on the 14th February 2019.
The most recent period of Sede Vacante began on the 21st
April and concluded on the 8th May after sixteen days with the election of Pope Leo XIV.
The longest period of Sede Vacante lasted nearly
three years from the 29th November 1268 to the 1st September 1271 after the
death of Pope Clement IV and the election of Pope Gregory X.
The shortest time
frame was 13 days after the death of Pope Pius IX and before the election of
Pope Leo XIII.
The Coin:
The €2 bi-metallic coins have been minted 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.
Designed by
Orietta Rossi, the Reverse of the €2 bi-metallic coins design depicts the coat of arms of Cardinal Kevin
Farrell as the Cardinal Camerlengo featuring a red galero hat with 15 tassels
on each side, signifying his cardinal status.
The central part of the arms
displays a *shield and design reflecting his personal history. Above the shield
are two crossed keys of St. Peter in gold and silver and a canopy of red and
yellow stripes, symbols of the Camerlengo's office and the vacant Holy See.
The
motto "STATE IN FIDE" is shown below the crest and translates to "Stand Firm in
the Faith".
The inscription CITTA’ DEL VATICANO and SEDE VACANTE are placed
along the edge and around the crest.
An abstract representation of a dove – a
symbol of the Holy Spirit appears between the two inscriptions. The year is
shown in Roman numerals as MMXXV (2025) indicating the year of issue and is
placed below the crest.
The primary design is surrounded by twelve five-pointed
stars, representing the European Union.
The Obverse of the €2 bi-metallic coins design is that of the
standard Euro-zone design for the 2 Euro coins, the numeral ‘2’ superimposed
over a map depicting Europe designed by Luc Luycx.
Denomination Metal Weight Diameter Quality Maximum
mintage
2 Euro Bi-metallic 8 g. 25.7
mm. FDC 75,000
- Available from the 4th February, the FDC version of the
commemorative €2 coins are encapsulated and presented in a case with magnetic
closure accompanied with information about the coin.
- The specifications are
also included on the printed on the case.
* In the upper portion of the shield, gold and the lion
are derived from the arms of Cardinal Theodore Edgar McCarrick, whom Bishop
Farrell assists as an auxiliary bishop.
The lower portion of the lion in gold
derives from the Irish clan of O’Farrell.
In this instance, blue has been
substituted for the green of the O’Farrell Arms, to honour Our Lady of Lourdes,
upon whose feast Bishop Farrell received ordination in the episcopate at the
hands of the Cardinal Archbishop of Washington.
In the base of the shield is a
silver mound of rock, symbolic of Bishop Farrell’s patron, Saint Kevin (died c.
618). After ordination Saint Kevin settled as a hermit at Glendalough, County
Wicklow in a cave called ‘St. Kevin’s Bed’ formerly a Bronze Age rock tomb.
For some other interesting posts from Italy/The Vatican, please visit the following links:
The Fountains of Italy Coin Series:
Other Links:
35) St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican (San Pietro in Vaticano), Republic of Palau: "Tiffany Art Metropolis Coin Series - San Pietro": Coin Invest Trust (CIT) has coordinated the issue of $500 (Gold) and $25 (Silver Coins minted by B.H. Mayer's Kunstprageanstalt GmbH at their facilities in Munich: Year of Coin issue: 2022
36) "The Twelve Apostles", Vatican City: The Twelve Apostles Coin Series: The first Silver Coins of 5- and 10-Euro minted by the "Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca Dello Stato" (IPZS) on behalf of "Coommercializzazione Filatelica e Numismatica" (CFN) feature St. Peter & St. Andrew: Date of Coins issued: 10.11.2022
37) "Towards the Holy Year 2025", Vatican City: A 200 Euro Gold Coin issued by the Commercializzazone Filatelica e Numismatica (CFN) to commemorate the three-year programme (2022-2023-2024) culminting in 2025: Date/Year of Coin issue: 19.12.2022
38) "Bergamo and Brescia", Italy: Five Euro Commemorative Copper Coins issued by the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato Italiano (IPZS) showcases the designated Italian Cultural Capital Cities: Date/Year of Coin issue: 20.02.2023
39) Luigi Vanvitelli (12.05.1700-01.03.1773), Architect and Painter, Italy: 250th Anniversary of his passing away: Five Euro (Silver) and Twenty Euro (Gold) Coins issued by the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato Italiano (IPZS) commemorate this celebrated Baroque Era Architect: Date/Year of Coin issue: 21.02.2023
40) "The Lateran Pacts between the Italian State and the Holy See", Vatican City State: 90th Anniversary Celebrations (1929-2019): The Ufficio Filetelco E. Numismatico (Office of the Philatelic and Numismatic Bureau of the Vatican) has issued an embroidered postage stamp of 8.40 Euro depicting the Coat of Arms of the Vatican City State: Date/Year of Stamp issue: 2019 (Reissued on 12.12.2022)
41) Environmental Protection as enshrined in the Italian Constitution, Italy: A Square-shaped bi-metallic Silver and Copper 5 Euro Coin brought out by the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato Italiano (IPZS) highlights environmental protection in the Italian constitution: Date of Coin issue: 27.04.2023
42) "The Resurrection of Christ" ("CHRISTVS RESVRREXIT"), Vatican City State: Rectangular-shaped Silver Proof and Colour Coins feature Renaissance painter Pietro Vannucci's (also known as "Perugino") masterpiece, presently in the Apostolic Palace Library: Date/Year of Coin issue: 04/2023
43) The Second Vatican Council - Nostra Aetate (In Our Time), Vatican City State: A 100 Euro Gold Coin minted 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: Date/Year of Coin issue: 2023
44) The history of the Olympics in Italy - TRiTTICO Cortina 1956, Rome 1960, Turin 2006, Republic of Italy (Repubblica Italiana): Three 20 Euro Gold Coins issued by the Istututo Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato Italiano (IPZS) celebrate the selection of 2026 Winter Olympics in the City of Cortino Italy: Date/Year of Coin issue: 07.09.2023
45) A Euro Coin Set - 2018, Vatican City State: An eight (8) Coin Set issued by the Commercializzazione Filatelica e Numismatica on Euro Coins: Coins minted by the IPZS Italy on behalf of the "Stato Della Citta Del Vaticano" (The Vatican City State") in 2018
46) Remembrance to Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, Vatican City: Coins issued by Commercializzazione Filetelica e Numismatica on 10 Euro Silver Coins: Coins minted by the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato Italiano (IPZS) Italy on behalf of the "Stato Della Citta Del Vaticano" ("The Vatican City State"): Date of Coin issue: 26.10.2023
47) 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 has issued the first of two commemorative 10 Euro coins which mark 2025 and the Holy Year Pilgrims of Hope: Date/Year of Coins issue: 12/2023
48) Pesaro, Italy: The Italian City designatied as the 2024 European Capital of Culture (ECOC):Date of Coin issue: 26.01,2024
49) Around the World Voyage of the Amerigo Vespucci, Italy's oldest Naval Vessel: A 5 Euro Silv er Proof & Colour Coin presents the voyage of the v essel: Date of Coin issue: 08.03.2024
50) St. Peter and the Rooster star on latest Vatican 20 Euro coin issued by the CFN (Commercialzzone Filatelica E Numasmatica - Vatican City: "Art and Faith Coin Series: Year of Coin issue: 2024;
51) Pope Francis Coin Card, Vatican City: A 1 Euro Base Metal Coin: The Commercializzazione Filatelica e Numismatica " (CFN) has issued a 1 Euro Copper Coin minted by the Istituto Poligrafico e Zella dello State (or State Mint and Polygraphic Institute - IPZS), Italy: Date/Year of Coin issue: 2024
52) The Vatican Coin Set: The "Commercializzazione Filatelica e Numismatica" (CFN) has issued an eight (8) Copper-Nickel (CuNi) Coin Set minted by the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato ("State Mint and Poligraphic Institute - IPZS"), Italy: Date/Year of Coin set issue: 2024
53) Concordat between the Holy See and the Republic of Poland, Poland: Rectangular Silver Proof Coins Mark the 100th Anniversary of the conclusion of the Concordat (1925-2025): Date/Year of Coin issue: 06.02.2025
54) Did You Know Series (103): Between One Pope and the Next - the Sede Vacante (meaning "Vacant Seat:) Coins are issued:
55) Cardinal Robert Prevost is Pope Leo XIV, the 267th Pope, United States of America (USA): A 1-oz Silver Election of Pope Leo XIV Round: Date/Year of Round issue: 08.05.2025
56) The Pontifical Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii and Pope Francis: Citta Del Vaticano (Vatican City): The IPZS, Italy (in English, it translates to State Printing Works and Mint) has minted a 50 Euro Gold Coin which features a kneeling Late Pope Francis on one face and The Shrine on the other:: Year of Coin issue: 2015
57) The Pontifical Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii and Pope Francis, CITTA DEL VATICANO (Vatican City): The Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato (IPZS), Italy (In English, it translates to State Printing Works and Mint) has minted a 20 Euro Gold Coin which features Late Pope Francis on one face and the Virgin Mary with a crown sitting on a throne and holding the baby Jesus Christ, with angels kneeling on the sides, on the other: Year of Coin issue: 2015
58) "Beloved Opera, Norma by Bellini, Republic of Italy (Repubblica Italiana): 5 Euro Silver Colour and Proof Rectangular Coins issued b y the IPZS" Date/Year of Coin issue: 24.06.2025
59) "Repubblic d'Italia") The "Italian Republic/Peninsula"), Cook Islands: A $10 (Ten Dollars) Silver Coin co-ordinated by Coin Invest Trust (CIT): Minted by B.H.Mayer's Kunstprageanstalt (GmbH) at their facilities in Munich: Year of Coin issue: 2025
60) "Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026", Republic of Italy: A 50 Euro Gold proof Coin features the official logo of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games: Date/Year of Coin issue: 27.08.2025
61) Did You Know Series (120): A Diver discovered the Biggest Treasure ever found in the Mediterranean Sea - consisting of about 30,000 to 50,000 Ancient Roman Coins some dating back as far as the 4th Century AD found off the coast of Azachena, located in Sardinia, Italy
62) National Intelligence Agencies, Republic of Italy (Repubblica Italiana): Centenary Anniversary (12925-2025): 5 Euro Coins issued by the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato Italiano (IPZS) to celebrate the milestone: Date/Year of Coins issue: 13.10.2025
63) "Election of New Pontiff", Vatican City: The Commercializzozione Filatelica e Numismatica, (which translates to Philatelic and Numismatic Marketing) has issued a Commemorative 2 Dollar Coin which marks the transition to a New Pope, minted 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: Date/Year of Coins issue: 04.02.2026
Links to Posts on Marco Polo on this Blog:
1) Marco Polo, Explorer, Italy (1254-8/9.01.1324): A 10 Euro Silver Coin issued by Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca di Stato, the Italian State Mint (2018)
2) Marco Polo (1254-1324), Venetian Traveller, Italy: The royal Dutch Mint (RDM) has brought out this special Silver strike of a Gold florin: Date/Year of Coin issue: 2024
Posts on the Ryder Cup on this Blog:
i) The 2014 Ryder Cup Commemorative Banknote: Commemorating the Ryder Cup, Europe with a 5 Pound Sterling Banknote issued by the Royal Bank of Scotland
ii) The 44th Ryder Cup held in Italy: 10 Euro Silver Coins with applied colour and concave centre brought out by the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato Italiano (IPZS) marks the conduct of the prestigious Ryder Cup in Italy for the first time: Date of Coin issue: 18.09.2023
Italian Excellence Coin Series:
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DeleteRaj Kumar Srivastava has commented:
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