Sede Vacante MMV

The arms of Cardinal Camerlengo Eduardo Martínez Somalo, the interim head of Vatican City State during the sede vacante of 2005, alongside the emblem of the Apostolic Chamber, appear on the second Vatican circulation coin. The state name Città del Vaticano indicates the coin's country of issue.

"Sede vacante" (Latin for "the seat is vacant") refers to the period between the death or resignation of a pope and the election of his successor. During this interim, the Camerlengo administers the day-to-day affairs of Vatican City but may not make fundamental decisions. The 2005 sede vacante followed the death of Pope John Paul II and ended with the election of Pope Benedict XVI; by tradition, special coins bearing the Camerlengo's coat of arms are minted during such periods.