20 euro – Pope Francis Year MMXXI

The series consists of 8 coins with the reverse side showing the same technical characteristics required for all countries participating in the single European currency. The obverse depicts the coat of arms of Pope Francis, Sovereign of Vatican City State, the inscription “Vatican City” and twelve stars. The series is available in two versions: one with a 20 euro silver coin and the other with a 50 euro gold coin. The first coin, by Gabriele Di Maulo, draws inspiration from Pope Francis’ prayer in St. Peter’s Square to plead for divine help against the pandemic, in front of the San Marcello Crucifix, with the Holy Spirit soaked by the rain that characterized that historic event. The second version contains the 50 euro gold coin, designed by Luigi Oldani, which depicts elements that can be traced back to a fundamental theme of the pontificate of Francis, namely the respect and care of the earth, which hosts us along with all other plant and animal species. The reverse side shows a clear reference to the Encyclical Letter Laudato si’, with plants, animals and water flowing from a mountain on which stands a cross, a sign of the Divine from which everything has its origin and all is created: it is up to us to safeguard and love what God has created.