The Vatican's Philatelic and Numismatic Office (CFN) has confirmed its coin issuance programme for 2026. The designs for this year's two €2 commemorative coins were unveiled by the Governorate of Vatican City State in its official publication “DAL CUORE DELLO STATO”. After last year's programme was dominated by the special Sede Vacante issue and ultimately produced three separate €2 commemorative coins, the microstate returns in 2026 to a standard schedule featuring two commemorative €2 coins.
The first coin celebrates a major historical milestone: the 400th anniversary of the solemn consecration of St. Peter's Basilica in 1626. The richly detailed design depicts a classical rendering of the basilica's historic consecration ceremony, showing Pope Urban VIII raising his hand in blessing, surrounded by clergy. Below the scene, the dates “1626–2026” mark the anniversary, while the design is framed above by the issuing country's name “CITTA' DEL VATICANO” and the Latin inscription “S. PETRI BASILICA CONSECRATA” (“St. Peter's Basilica is consecrated”).
The second €2 commemorative coin of 2026 is dedicated to the magisterium — the still-young papal teaching authority — of Pope Leo XIV, with particular focus on the new pontificate's message of peace for society. The design portrays a striking scene: a muscular soldier in ancient dress kneels humbly before a young shepherdess, who holds a shepherd's crook and cradles a small lamb in her arms, while stylised sunbeams illuminate the background. Alongside the issuing country's name “CITTA' DEL VATICANO”, the inscription “PACE DISARMANTE & RICHIAMANTE” appears on the left — reflecting the Pope's urgent call for a peace that “disarms and calls us back”.
Details on the final mintage figures and exact release dates are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Source: Governorate of Vatican City State, “DAL CUORE DELLO STATO” 2/2026, page 8 (full issue at vaticanstate.va)
