Introduction
This two-euro coin was issued by Vatican City in 2013 and celebrates the vacant seat following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. It commemorates the period of “Sede Vacante” of that year. This period refers to the interval between the end of a pope’s pontificate and the election of his successor. Thus, this coin highlights the importance of this transitional phase in the Catholic Church.
Coin description
The design of the obverse of the coin features significant heraldic elements. In the center, the coat of arms of the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, surrounded by the symbols of the papal interregnum, immediately captures the attention. The coat of arms features the crossed keys of Saint Peter and the ombrellino, a symbol of temporal authority during the vacancy. In addition, elements such as the cross, mitre, and cords are also found on this coat of arms, reinforcing its religious symbolism.
Around this central scene, the inscription “CITTÀ DEL VATICANO” (Vatican City) appears on the left, identifying the issuer of the coin. On the right, the inscription “SEDE VACANTE MMXIII” (Vacant Seat 2013) specifies the theme of the commemoration. At the bottom, we notice the names of the artists “P. DANIELE” and “MCC. INC.”, confirming the authenticity of the coin.
The outline of the coin features twelve stars, representing the twelve stars of the European Union. Furthermore, these stars symbolise European unity and solidarity. Furthermore, the design of this coin highlights the importance of the period of “Sede Vacante” and its impact on the Catholic Church. Indeed, the chosen graphic and textual elements recall the transition and the expectation of the new pontificate.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this two-euro coin from Vatican City issued in 2013 celebrates the period of “Sede Vacante” in a meaningful way. The obverse design illustrates the symbols and importance of this transitional phase in the Catholic Church. In addition, the inscriptions and heraldic elements reinforce the cultural and religious relevance of this coin. In short, it is a valuable addition for numismatists and the faithful, while highlighting the importance of transitional periods in the Catholic Church. Thus, this coin reflects both the expectation and the continuity of papal tradition.
| Country of Issue: |  |
| Date of issue: | June 3, 2013 |
| Total mintage: | 119.000 |
| – Proof: | – |
| – BU: | 119.000 |
| – UNC: | – |
| Engraver: | Maria Carmela Colaneri |
| The edge: |  |
| Rarity: |   |
| Official Journal: | C2013/265/06 |
| My collection: | Je n'ai pas cette pièce (0) Please login to bookmark
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