The only standard circulating Vatican coin featuring the image of Pope Francis

Pope Francis

(Photo of Pope Francis, from Vatican.va).

When I wrote up the St Francis of Assisi Medallion just a few weeks ago (30th March 2025), I had no idea, I would soon be writing this coin up in honour of the passing of the Pope who took St Francis’ name.

Jorge Mario Bergoglio was born in Argentina on 17 December 1936 to Italian immigrants. Jorge graduated as a chemical technician before entering the Diocesan Seminary of Villa Devoto to become a priest. He also earned a degree in philosophy and taught literature and philosophy before earning a theology degree and becoming ordained a priest in 1969, making his final profession with the Jesuits in 1973. A Jesuit takes “Final Profession” or “Final Vows” of poverty, chastity, and obedience, and for some, a fourth vow of special obedience to the Pope. This is the last step to becoming a permanent member of the Society of Jesus. The Society of Jesus, commonly simply known as Jesuits, seek to find God in all things. They dedicate themselves to the greater glory of God, and the good of all humanity.

Through the 1980s, Jorge continued both his teaching and his work as a parish priest, of San Miguel, a city in East Argentina, near the border with Uruguay.

In 1992 Pope John Paul II appointed him titular Bishop of Auca and Auxiliary of Buenos Aires. Jorge received episcopal ordination. from the Cardinal in the cathedral. Episcopal ordination is the rite by which someone is appointed a bishop. It is done with an official, and personalised letter from the Pope. The hierarchy of priests goes:

• Deacon: A student in their last year of study before becoming priests. They can baptise, witness marriages and perform funerals.
• Priest: Additionally, can perform confession, eucharist, holy matrimony and anointing of the sick. They are the most common ordained person who perform mass at most parishes.
• Bishop: Generally, oversee a city or local region (a diocese), and have additional study.
• Archbishop: Manages a larger geographical area, called an archdiocese, and a number of bishops.
• Cardinal: A leading bishop and member of the “College of Cardinals“. Most have additional duties which report to the Holy See (Rome). Their biggest duty is participating in the Papal Conclave, that is, voting for the new Pope when a Pope dies (or abdicates, in the case of Pope Benedict XVI).
• Pope: The leader of the Catholic Church. Essentially, the monarch of “Vatican City“.

When anointed as a bishop, Jorge chose as his episcopal motto, “miserando atque eligendo”. This is from a homily by Saint Bede. It roughly translates to “having mercy, he called him”.

In 2001, John Paul ii created him a Cardinal. In very typical style, he asked the faithful not to come to Rome to celebrate his creation as Cardinal but rather to donate to the poor what they would have spent on the journey.

As Archbishop of Buenos Aires, a diocese with more than three million inhabitants, he conceived of a missionary project based on communion and evangelization. He had four main goals: open and brotherly communities, an informed laity playing a lead role, evangelization efforts addressed to every inhabitant of the city, and assistance to the poor and the sick.

In 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, Jorge Mario Bergoglio was appointed Pope, and took the name Francis, in honour of Saint Francis of Assisi.

As archbishop, and as Pope, Francis did not desire wealth or prestige. He lived in a simple apartment, rather than something large and fancy, as he could have had. He took the bus, and cooked his own meals.

Francis earned the nickname “the pope of the slums” for his deep commitment to the poor and marginalized. Throughout his ministry — both in Argentina and as pope — he regularly visited impoverished communities, advocating for social justice and the Church’s role as a refuge for the overlooked and oppressed. He made waves for welcoming migrants, LGBTQ Catholics, and others often excluded by the Church. His pastoral style emphasized mercy over judgment, famously asking, “Who am I to judge?”.

More than once, Francis also said: “My people are poor and I am one of them”, explaining his decision to live in an apartment and cook his own supper. He has always advised his priests to show mercy and apostolic courage and to keep their doors open to everyone. The worst thing that could happen to the Church, he has said on various occasions, “is what de Lubac called spiritual worldliness”, which means, “being self-centred”. And when he speaks of social justice, he calls people first of all to pick up the Catechism, to rediscover the Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes. His project is simple: if you follow Christ, you understand that “trampling upon a person’s dignity is a serious sin”.

Obverse

The obverse of the coin features The frontal portrait of His Holiness Pope Franciscus, encircled by the inscription “CITTA’ DEL VATICANO” (Vatican City) and the twelve stars of Europe.

The R above the year is for Rome. The coin was minted by the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato. Interestingly, this is the only standard circulating coin to feature Pope Francis. While small numbers of 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20 euro cent 1 and 2 euro coins have been issued each year for collector sets, since 2014, only the 50c piece has been issued for regular circulation (I couldn’t find a reference as to why only this one coin? If anyone knows, please do let me know!) In this article, it notes a 2010 agreement with the EU set the total volume (of coins) at €2.3 million, and that the Vatican is obligated to put at least 51 percent of the total volume into circulation. Perhaps only making one circulating coin is a way of doing that without making that one circulating coin too scarce and collectible itself? In 2014 when this coin was issued, it was one of 1,488,376. Although that only works out to €744,188, which is only about a third of that €2.3 million, which still leaves quite a lot for collector sets. Looking at Numista mintages, there were 158,000 sets and 10,000 proof sets plus some in a stamp and coin card set, which works out to around €651,840, which would fit that agreement if the 51% circulating is minimum and €2.3 million is the maximum value?

(The 2017 50 Euro Cents coin featuring the coat of arms of Pope Francis).

Renowned as the Pope of the poor, Pope Francis decreed that he did not wish to appear on coins, like a king. So, the design was changed from 2017 to include his coat of arms instead. Therefore, this is the only common circulating coin bearing his image. Though there have been other circulating and non-circulating commemorative coins with his portrait.

Reverse

The reverse, as all Euro coins, features the map of Europe, with the value.

Like this previous 20 Euro cent coin from Lithuania I covered, the 50 Euro cent coin is made from Nordic Gold, an alloy of 89% copper, 5% aluminium, 5% zinc, and 1% tin.

What is your favourite coin or piece featuring Francis, or any Pope? Let us know below or share on social media!