Vatican 2022 2€ Paul VI + Mother Teresa

2€ Pope Paul VI

This year marks the 125th anniversary of the birth of Giovanni Battista Montini, born in Concesio in 1897 and elected pope in 1963 taking the name Paul VI. The Vatican State Mint celebrates this anniversary with the 2 euro bimetallic coin in a dual brilliant uncirculated and proof version. On the coin we see the Pope smiling and opening his arms wide with the gesture he often used when greeting the crowds. He wears the cassock tied at the waist with a fascia bearing the coat of arms of his pontificate embroidered on the bottom, his cape and cloak. Our artist Daniela Longo produced the engraving on the reverse side of the coin showing the tapestry displayed on the facade of St. Peter’s Basilica during the beatification of Paul VI. The celebration took place on 19 October 2014 with Pope Francis presiding and Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in attendance. The tapestry shows the smiling pope standing as he opens his arms as if to virtually embrace all the people.

2€ Mother Teresa

In 1997 at the age of 87 the earthly life of Mother Teresa of Calcutta came to an end. The Vatican State Mint dedicates its two euro coin, a dual brilliant uncirculated and proof version, to her life and work. Our artist Orietta Rossi features on the reverse of the coin Mother Teresa holding an Indian child in her arms, looking at him with a maternal expression. This moving image reflects all the love, commitment and dedication that Mother Teresa offered to alleviate the suffering of the “poorest of the poor.” Born in 1910 in Skopje, the present-day Republic of North Macedonia, she was raised according to the precepts of the Catholic Church. At a very young age she became interested in the work of missionaries in India and, after taking her vows, devoted her entire life to aiding and protecting the most needy. The Congregation of the “Missionaries of Charity,” which she founded, was recognized by Pope Pius XII in 1950. Since then they have established a presence in numerous countries throughout Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania.