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A 2 euro commemorative coin of the Vatican City State, issued on October 16, 2008, in a mintage of 100,000. Dedicated to the Year of Saint Paul. Bimetallic, diameter 25.75 mm, weight 8.5 g. Minted at the IPZS in Rome.
Obverse
The center of the coin depicts the scene of Paul's Conversion on the Road to Damascus - one of the most important biblical events, described in the Acts of the Apostles (9:1-9). Saul of Tarsus, who persecuted the first Christians, was blinded by a heavenly light on the way to Damascus and heard the voice of Jesus Christ ("Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?"). After this event, he was transformed into the Apostle Paul. The obverse depicts Paul falling from his horse, struck by a heavenly light. Around it are the inscriptions "ANNO DI S. PAOLO APOSTOLO" (Year of Saint Paul the Apostle) and "CITTÀ DEL VATICANO". Year of issue "2008", mint mark "R". On the outer ring are the 12 stars of the European Union.
Reverse
The reverse is the updated common side of the 2 euro coins of the second type, introduced in 2008. Designed by Luc Luix, it depicts a map of Europe as a single continent without national borders. On the left is the denomination "2" and the inscription "EURO", on the right is the map. On the outer ring are the 12 stars of the EU. On the band is a groove with the inscription "2 ★ ★", repeated six times.
Historical context
Paul of Tarsus (c. 5 AD - c. 67 AD) is one of the most influential figures of early Christianity, often called the "Apostle of the Gentiles". Born in Tarsus (modern Turkey), a Roman citizen, initially a Pharisee and persecutor of Christians. After a miraculous conversion on the road to Damascus (c. 34 AD), he became one of the main apostles, made three missionary journeys across the Mediterranean, founded Christian communities in Asia Minor and Greece. Author of 13 (according to Catholic tradition - 14) epistles of the New Testament, including the Epistles to the Romans, Corinthians, Galatians and others. According to tradition, he was executed (beheaded) in Rome during the reign of Nero, around 64–67 AD. The Year of Saint Paul (Annus Paulinus) was proclaimed by Benedict XVI from 28 June 2008 to 29 June 2009 on the occasion of the 2000th anniversary of his birth.