Shopping Cart
A 2 euro commemorative coin of the Vatican State, issued in 2016 in a circulation of 80,000 copies. Dedicated to the 200th anniversary of the Vatican Gendarmerie Corps. The author of the design is Daniela Longo (D. Longo), the engraver is SP (SP inc.). Bimetallic, diameter 25.75 mm, weight 8.5 g. Minted at IPZS in Rome.
Obverse
The national side depicts a member of the Vatican Gendarmerie Corps in traditional uniform, standing in front of the dome of St. Peter's Basilica - a recognizable symbol of the Vatican. At the top, in a semicircle, is the inscription "CORPO DELLA GENDARMERIA 1816 • 2016" (Gendarmerie Corps 1816-2016), at the bottom, in a semicircle, is the name of the issuing state "CITTA' DEL VATICANO". The mint mark "R" is located to the left of the design, the name of the author "D. LONGO" and the initials of the engraver "SP INC" are on the right. On the outer ring - the 12 stars of the European Union.
Reverse
The reverse is the common side of the 2 euro coins of the second type, designed by Luc Luix. It depicts a map of Europe as a single continent without internal borders. On the left - a large denomination "2" and the inscription "EURO", on the right - a map. On the outer ring - the 12 stars of the EU. The band is finely fluted and has the inscription "2 ★" repeated six times, alternating upright and inverted.
Historical context
The Corps of the Gendarmerie of the Vatican City (Corpo della Gendarmeria) is the police and security service of the Vatican, founded by Pope Pius VII on 14 July 1816 as the "Papal Carabinieri Corps". At different periods in history, the service has had various names: Gendarmeria Pontificia, Central Security Office, and finally, since 2002, Corpo della Gendarmeria dello Stato della Città del Vaticano. Unlike the Swiss Guard, which is responsible for ceremonial security and the personal protection of the Pope, the Gendarmerie is responsible for public order, criminal investigation, border control, the security of citizens and visitors to the Vatican, and the protection of the Pope during pastoral trips. Its headquarters are located in the Palazzo Santa Marta.