Vatican 50 Euro Cent (Third Series - Pope Francis)

Vatican City · 2017

A brass-colored coin featuring the profile portrait of Pope Francis on the obverse surrounded by the twelve stars of the European Union, and the standard continental European map design on the reverse.

Country: Vatican City
Year: 2017
Denomination: 50 Euro Cent
Metal: Nordic Gold (89% copper, 5% aluminium, 5% zinc, 1% tin)

This report is AI-generated and can be wrong. Always verify grade, authenticity, and value with a qualified dealer or certified grading service before buying, selling, or insuring.

Identified August 16, 2026More vatican city coins →

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Overview

Historical significance

Vatican euro coins are highly sought after by collectors worldwide because Vatican City is not a member of the European Union but mints limited quantities of euro coins under an agreement with the EU. The third series features the portrait of Pope Francis, replacing the previous series depicting Pope Benedict XVI.

Obverse (front)

Features a left-facing profile portrait of Pope Francis. The inscription 'CITTA DEL VATICANO' arches along the bottom, accompanied by the mint mark 'R' and the year '2017' on the right. Encircling the design are the twelve stars of the European flag.

Reverse (back)

Shows the standard common European map design depicting the continent of Europe without borders, superimposed over six vertical lines set behind the twelve stars of the EU. The large numeral '50' appears alongside the text 'EURO CENT'.

Estimated value

$2 - $10 in circulated condition, $15 - $30 in uncirculated or mint state condition, and significantly higher for proof versions issued in official mint sets.

What drives this coin's value

Condition grade, original mint packaging (if sold as a set), and whether it is a circulation issue or a special proof strike.

Grade assessment

Fine to Very Fine, showing moderate wear on the highest points of the portrait and standard circulation marks.

Mintage & rarity

Scarce for circulation; Vatican euro coins are primarily struck for inclusion in official numismatic mint sets rather than general daily commerce, making them scarcer than standard eurozone coins.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check weight, dimensions, and magnetic properties. Nordic Gold is non-magnetic. Counterfeits are rare for standard circulation-issue euro cents unless part of a high-value collector set forgery.

Notable varieties & errors

Regular business strike vs. Proof issue found exclusively in annual Vatican mint presentation sets.

Similar coins

Other 50 Euro cent coins from different eurozone countries, which share the same common reverse but feature unique national obverse designs.

Care & preservation

Handle by the edges using cotton gloves if uncirculated. Store in a dry, climate-controlled environment in PVC-free holders or coin flips. Do not clean, as cleaning severely damages numismatic value.

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2 Euro