The Vatican's Philatelic and Numismatic Office (CFN) has today issued the official coin set for 2026. Euro coin collectors will be especially interested in the new 2 euro circulation coin: contrary to expectations, it doesn't depict the new Pope's coat of arms but rather a portrait of Pope Leo XIV.
Ever since Pope Francis's far-reaching decision in 2017, it had become standard practice at the Vatican to feature only the papal coat of arms—rather than a portrait—on the national sides of all euro circulation coins. Many numismatists were therefore confident that this tradition would continue under Pope Leo XIV as well. However, only the 1 cent through 5 cent denominations carry the new Pope's coat of arms. All denominations from 10 cents upward instead feature a profile portrait of Pope Leo XIV.
Despite this shift toward depicting the pontiff's likeness, collectors won't have to go without heraldic symbolism entirely. The 2 euro coin incorporates the characteristic elements of Pope Leo XIV's coat of arms in the background of the portrait. Designed by artist and sculptor Daniela Longo, the motif brings together two central symbols: a lily, representing purity and devotion to the Virgin Mary, and a flaming heart. The heart is pierced by an arrow above an open book, symbolizing Augustinian spirituality and the power of God's word to transform the human heart.
At present, the Vatican's new standard circulation coins will be available in brilliant uncirculated (BU) quality as part of two different coin sets: a regular set containing all eight circulation coins, with a mintage of 43,774 pieces, and a second set that also includes a 5 euro commemorative coin marking the 800th anniversary of the death of Francis of Assisi, limited to 6,226 pieces. This brings the current total mintage of the new 2 euro coin to 50,000 pieces. A proof (PP) quality coin set is expected to follow at a later date. Both sets are available starting today directly through the Vatican Coin Office (CFN) as well as from specialist coin dealers.
Source: CFN