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A 2 euro commemorative coin of the Vatican City State, issued in 2018 in a circulation of 91,000 copies (76,000 in a blister). Dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the death of Padre Pio. The author of the design is Patrizio Daniele (P. Daniele), the engraver is VDS (VDS inc.). Bimetallic, diameter 25.75 mm, weight 8.5 g. It was minted at IPZS in Rome.
Obverse
The center of the coin depicts the right profile of the portrait of Padre Pio in a characteristically modest position. At the top, in a semicircle from left to right, is the inscription "CITTA'DEL VATICANO" (Vatican City State). At the bottom is the inscription "Padre Pio" in handwritten font and the mint mark "R" on the right. To the left of the image is the year "1968" (the year of Padre Pio's death), to the right is the year of issue "2018". At the bottom left are the name of the author "P.DANIELE" and the initials of the engraver "VDS INC". On the outer ring are 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 is a large denomination "2" and the inscription "EURO", on the right is a map. On the outer ring are the 12 stars of the EU. The band is finely grooved and the inscription "2 ★", repeated six times alternately upright and inverted.
Historical context
Saint Pio of Pietrelcina (Francesco Forgione, 1887-1968), known as Padre Pio, is an Italian Capuchin priest, mystic and stigmatist, one of the most popular saints of the 20th century. He was born on May 25, 1887 in Pietrelcina (Italy), and was ordained a priest in 1910. In 1918, while praying, he received the stigmata - the five wounds of Christ, which remained with him until his death (50 years old). Padre Pio became famous for his gift of clairvoyance, healing and reading minds. About 250 thousand people confessed to him a year before his death. Founded the "House for the Relief of Suffering" (Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza), a large hospital in San Giovanni Rotondo. Died on September 23, 1968. Beatified in 1999, canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2002. Revered as the patron saint of civil defense and adolescents.