The Pope’s face returns to Vatican coins. The Governorate of the Vatican City State presented this Monday, August 3, the first euro series of the pontificate of Leo XIV, which restores the pontiff’s effigy after nine years of absence. The decision reverses the order given by Francis in 2017, when he requested that his face disappear from Vatican mintings and be replaced by his papal coat of arms.
Effigy and coat of arms, alternated by denomination
The new set, the sixth Vatican euro series since 2002, introduces an unprecedented formula: the profile of Leo XIV appears on the higher-value coins —10, 20 and 50 cents, 1 euro and 2 euros—, while the 1, 2 and 5 cent pieces bear the Pontiff’s coat of arms. According to the Governorate, the goal is «to celebrate the beginning of the pontificate of Leo XIV through a singular artistic language that unites tradition and innovation.»
The 2-euro coin highlights the distinctive elements of the papal emblem: the lily, symbol of purity and Marian devotion, and the flaming heart pierced by an arrow over an open book, sign of Augustinian spirituality and the power of the Word of God.
A coin dedicated to the «spoliazione» of Saint Francis
The collection is presented in Brilliant Uncirculated quality in two formats: the eight-coin regular set (face value of 3.88 euros) and an expanded version with a bimetallic 5-euro piece dedicated to the VIII centenary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi (1226-2026), raising the total face value to 8.88 euros.
The obverse of this 5-euro coin shows the portrait of Leo XIV with the legend «LEONE XIV PP. ANNO II MMXXVI». The reverse depicts the spoliazione: the moment when the saint of Assisi publicly strips off his garments and renounces material goods to give himself completely to God. The design and modeling are by Daniela Fusco and the engraving by Silvia Ciucci.
A graphic identity for the new pontificate
The presentation case reproduces the papal coat of arms in relief, with a carved plaster effect, on an ivory background, with inscriptions in deep blue: the two colors of the heraldic fields of Leo XIV’s coat of arms. The Governorate has confirmed that this combination will also be used in future numismatic issues, creating a visual identity specific to the pontificate.
The 2026 numismatic program also includes two commemorative 2-euro coins —one dedicated to the Magisterium of Leo XIV and another to the IV centenary of the consecration of St. Peter’s Basilica—, as well as a Proof-quality set accompanied by a 20-euro silver coin and a 50-euro gold coin dedicated to «Leo XIV – Year II».
From John Paul II to Leo XIV
The first Vatican euro series (2002-2005) bore the effigy of John Paul II; the second (2005-2006) corresponded to the Sede Vacante; the third (2006-2013) showed the face of Benedict XVI; and the fourth (2014-2016), that of Francis, until the Argentine Pontiff ordered in 2017 to withdraw his image in favor of his coat of arms, inaugurating the fifth series. With Leo XIV, the papal effigy returns to the coins of the world’s smallest state, minted, as always, by the Italian mint in Rome.