Vatican BU 2023

This is the 2023 Vatican BU set. The Vatican has been issuing Euro coins since the introduction of the Euro in 2002. Normally the Pope is depicted on the coins of the Vatican. The current Pope, Francis I, has decided in his simplicity that his image no longer needs to be on the Vatican coins. Since 2017 his image has been replaced by the Papal Coat of Arms. This Coat of Arms is the one that he has used since 1991 when he took office as Bishop of Argentina. At the top of the crest is a mitre with the two keys of Peter. Centred on the crest are the letters IHS of Christ surmounted by a cross, there are also three black nails. The star refers to Mary and the grass refers to Joseph. At the bottom of the coat of arms is the motto of the Pope which is 'miserando atque eligendo' (chosen by grace). The 2023 Vatican BU set comprises the entire series of 2023 Euro coins from the Vatican, i.e. the 1 cent up to and including the normal 2 Euro coin. The Papal Coat of Arms is depicted in the centre of the coins, encircled by the country name 'Citta del Vaticano'. The year 2023 is shown at the bottom right of the coin. The coins are presented in a dark brown luxurious packaging, chosen for the year 2023.