The third series, issued in April 2006, shows His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI and the legend “CITTÀ DEL VATICANO”. To the right of his portrait are the year (“2006”) and the mint mark (“R”). To the left are the designer’s initials (“DL”).

show Europe in relation to Africa and Asia on a globe.

Smooth with a groove

The first series, bearing the effigy of His Holiness John Paul II, was issued between 2002 and 2005. The second series, first issued in June 2005, shows the coat of arms of the Cardinal Chamberlain, the interim Head of the State of Vatican City, superimposed on the emblem of the Apostolic Chamber in the centre of the coin. The upper part of this design is surrounded by the semicircular words “SEDE VACANTE” and the year of issue in Roman numerals, i.e. “MMV”. The mintmark (“R”) is located between the coat of arms and the year of issue. The designer''s name, “D. LONGO”, appears on the lower left-hand edge of the central design, while the respective engraver''s initials appear on the lower right-hand edge, namely “MAC inc” (on the 1 and 20-cent coins), “LDS inc” (on the 2 and 50-cent coins), “ELF inc” (on the 5 cent and €1 coins) and “MCC inc” (on the 10 cent and €2 coins). Twelve stars are depicted in a semicircle around the upper half of the outer edge of the coin, while the lower half bears the words “CITTÀ DEL VATICANO”, again set in a semicircle. The third series, issued in April 2006, shows His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI and the legend “CITTÀ DEL VATICANO”. To the right of his portrait are the year (“2006”) and the mint mark (“R”). To the left are the designer’s initials (“DL”).