Varied But Rare: 2-Euro Commemorative Coins from the Vatican
Even 2-euro circulation coins from Vatican City offer an incredible variety of motifs. Among them, of course, have also been many rarities since 2002. At the beginning, mintage figures were rather low and not every collector could take part in this journey. By now, the former wave of enthusiasm has smoothened out. If you are lucky, you can even find a 50-cent coin from the Vatican in other European countries. In addition to circulation coins, Vatican City has been issuing 2-euro commemorative coins since 2004, and they have been a highlight right from the start. Unfortunately, the pieces are only available in a folder – like those of the other small states. Individual coins intended for circulation do not exist. Therefore, interested collectors have to look for them on the secondary market and pay rather high sums. Especially the first issues have become real “rarities” by now. All Vatican coins are produced by the mint in Rome.
2-Euro Circulation Coins
2-euro coins from the Vatican can hardly be found in circulation in the rest of Europe. Even in the Vatican, these pieces are rarities. Almost every issued coin goes into the pocket of a collector and remains there for quite a while. As stated above, there is a rather vast variety of motifs. It all began in 2002 with the portrait of Pope John Paul II. After his death, there was a sede vacante issue in 2005. From 2006 to 2013, Pope Benedict XVI was featured on the coins. He was followed by Pope Francis as of 2014. But only until 2016, then the motif was changed and the coat of arms of Pope Francis has been depicted on 2-euro circulation coins since 2017.
I consider the 2-euro coins issued for the 2013 sede vacante to be commemorative coins because just a single coin was issued and not a complete set of coins like in 2005.
Just like 2-euro commemorative coins, all 2-euro circulation coins consist of a ring made of cupronickel. The core is made of nickel brass with a nickel core (CuNi / Ni, CuNiZn plated). All pieces can slightly be attracted by a magnet at the centre.
Technical Specifications
- Weight: 8.50 g
- Diameter: 25.75 mm
- Reeded edge
- All Vatican coins feature the edge inscription “2” followed by alternately inverted stars in addition to the reeded edge.
Particularities
Coloured or gilded pieces are not official issues. They have been doctored and lost their former value as currency. Do not purchase so-called “patterns” – no patterns were ever issued. Pieces with coloured stickers are no official issues.
Mint Error Coins
So far, no mint error coins have been found. Nevertheless, look for minor punching errors, die cracks and rotated die error coins.
Appraisal
These coins can hardly be found in circulation. Only a few pieces at high prices are available on the secondary market. The 2002 2-euro coin with the portrait of Pope John Paul II is hardly offered for less than 300 euros. Often, it is cheaper to purchase the complete set (1 cent to 2 euros). Prices for the 2-euro piece of the 2005 sede vacante start at 290 euros. Prices are likely to increase significantly.
Joint Issues of the Eurozone
Vatican City is not part of the European Union (EU), therefore it does not release joint issues.
Obverse 20th World Youth Day in Cologne 2005- Photo: ECB.
20th World Youth Day in Cologne, 2005
The motif depicts Cologne Cathedral, above it the Star of Bethlehem. The “R” refers to the mint in Rome. To the left of the Cathedral are the initials of the artists, on the right the initials of the engraver. At the bottom is the arched name of the country. This coin is particularly sought-after by German collectors and is sold at high prices.
Technical Specifications
The technical specifications correspond to those of a 2-euro circulation coin.
Particularities
Coloured or gilded pieces are not official issues. They have been doctored and lost their former value as currency. Pieces with coloured stickers are no official issues. The coin was exclusively issued in a card folder or as a numis cover.
Mint Error Coins
So far, no mint error coins have been found. Nevertheless, look for minor punching errors, die cracks and rotated die error coins.
Appraisal
These coins cannot be found in circulation. Only a few pieces at high prices are available on the secondary market. Prices for pieces without folder start at 240 euros. Regarding these pieces, too, the price is sure to increase.
Obverse 500 Years of the Papal Swiss Guard 2006. Photo: Gerd.Seyffert
500 Years of the Papal Swiss Guard, 2006
1506 is the founding year of the Papal Swiss Guard (Guardia Svizzera Pontificia). Apart from a few interruptions, the Swiss Guard has been providing protection for the Pope ever since. The motif shows a Swiss Guard taking the oath on the day of the swearing-in ceremony. At the bottom is the name of the country, the “R” on the right refers to the mint in Rome. In addition the years 1506 and 2006. Above the guard flag on the left is the name of the artist O. Rossi. The initials of the engraver (“MCC”) are on the right side below the year 2006.
Technical Specifications
The technical specifications correspond to those of a 2-euro circulation coin.
Particularities
Coloured or gilded pieces are not official issues. They have been doctored and lost their former value as currency. 2-euro commemorative coins were exclusively issued in a card folder or as a numis cover. If coins are offered without folder, pay attention to their quality.
Mint Error Coins
So far, no mint error coins have been found. Nevertheless, look for minor punching errors, die cracks and rotated die error coins.
Appraisal
These coins cannot be found in circulation. The value of these coins has also increased since they were issued. Prices for mint state specimens without the original folder start at 190 euros on the secondary market. Prices for coins in the original folder start at 200 euros.
As an alternative, collectors can purchase the numis covers of Vatican City, which also contain a 2-euro commemorative coin. They are often offered at a slightly lower price than the original folder. In both cases, the specimens are official issues of Vatican City. Thus, comparing offers is definitely worth it.
With Vatican City, the extensive series about the rarities among 2-euro commemorative coins has come to an end. Here you can find all parts of this series:
Unfortunately, the production of 2-euro commemorative coins of mint state quality for circulation purposes was stopped in 2015. There are only proof issues now. This decision is very unfortunate for the collecting world, and many do not understand why it was taken.
In the online database Cosmos of Collectibles you can find all 2-euro coins from Vatican City.
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Here you can find his series on rare 2-euro pieces from Germany and on the joint EU issues (in German). Here Numiscontrol explains if and why euro error coins can be investment objects.
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