Vatican 2 Euro 2019 Restoration Sistine Chapel

The Sistine Chapel (Cappella Sistina) is often seen as the most famous and well-known interior space in the world because of the beautiful frescoes (murals) by Michelangelo. In the Sistine Chapel the cardinals gather to decide who will be the new Pope. Through smoke, (black and white), the global public can see whether a new Pope has been chosen or not! More than 39 years ago, the world's best restorers started restoring Michelangelo's frescoes consisting of more than 300 figures. The restoration lasted 14 years (1980 - 1994). The frescoes hark back to the first book of the Bible, namely Genesis . It has been 25 years since the frescoes were returned to their original state and to commemorate the 'restoration of the century' it was decided to issue a 2 Euro coin with this subject. On the face of the coin Christ is portrayed when the verdict of the Last Judgment is pronounced. His calm, but above all imperial, gesture provides inspiration and tranquillity. Behind Christ one sees a stooping woman. Encircling the image of Christ is the text 'CAPPELLA SISTINA - FINE DEL RESTAURI' (Sistine Chapel - End of the restoration), together with the text 'CITTA DEL VATICANO' (VATICAN CITY). The years 1994 and 2019 are also displayed. The coin is presented in a light blue package and the edition is only 69,000 copies.