Vatican 5 Euro and 10 Euro 2018 Silver Proof

The year 1978 was a sad year. In that year, two popes died. On 6 August 1978, Pope Paul VI died. He was succeeded by Pope John Paul I. This Pope, born as Arbino Luciano, was of poor origin and was chosen as Pope as a surprise to himself. He is known as the smiling Pope. He was the first Pope with a double name! To the dismay of many he died, just after 33 days after his appointment, under dubious circumstances. In the year 2018 it is 40 years since these two popes died and in memory of this the Vatican has issued a silver 5 Euro coin and a silver 10 Euro coin. On the face of the 5 Euro coin, Pope Paul VI is portrayed looking to the right in a blessing pose. To the left of him is an image of a recumbent Angel. On the left is the value indication of 5 Euro and the country name Citta del Vaticano (Vatican City). At the bottom of the 5 Euro coin is the text æPaulus PP VIÆ. On the 10 Euro coin Pope John Paul I is portrayed with a smile looking forwards. On his left Jesus is portrayed blessing a child, something that this Pope also regularly did. On the left side of the coin is the value indication of 10 Euro and the country name Citta del Vaticano (Vatican City). On the reverse of both coins the papal coat of arms of the current Pope Francis is depicted.