The Vatican Enters New Numismatic Era

The Vatican's Philatelic and Numismatic Office has unveiled its 2026 coin programme, marking a return to a more traditional schedule following the exceptional issues produced during the 'Sede Vacante' period in 2025 [1]. The programme will feature two €2 commemorative coins alongside the first regular set of circulating coins issued during the pontificate of Pope Leo XIV.

The first €2 commemorative issue honours the 400th anniversary of the consecration of St Peter's Basilica, depicting the historic ceremony of 1626 with Pope Urban VIII blessing the assembled clergy. The design is accompanied by the dates '1626-2026' and the inscription 'S Petri Basilica Consecrata', commemorating one of the most significant events in the history of the Catholic Church.

The second commemorative coin focuses on Pope Leo XIV's message of peace. Its symbolic design portrays a kneeling soldier before a young shepherdess holding a lamb, accompanied by the inscription 'Pace Disarmante & Richiamante' ('disarming and calling peace').