10 euro - Baptism - Year MMXXIV

The Vatican Mint celebrates the Sacrament of Baptism as usual with the 10 euro gold coin, entrusting the design to artist Patrizio Daniele. On the coin’s reverse side, John the Baptist is depicted in the act of pouring water from a shell onto the head of Jesus. The use of a shell is tied to the Christian tradition where the shell is a symbol of life and resurrection, rebirth and purification. As Pope Francis has affirmed, at Baptism “it is God who comes into us, purifies, heals our heart, makes us forever his children.” (7 January 2024)