Because of all the events at Vatican City covered by the television news medium, you know all about the fact that the Vatican relies upon a special Swiss Guard for its safety and defense, but do you know how long that duty has been taking place? 504 years! (this being 2010 AD). 2006 was the 500th anniversary of the institution of the Vatican's Swiss Pontifical Guard - 500 years, 5 centuries! Impressive, right? Did you know Vatican City authorized the issue of a coin Commemorating that anniversary? They did (16,000 proofs and 85,000 business strikes). The coin is a 2 Euro bi-metallic (brass center on a copper-nickel ring) . Here's a photo courtesy of Don's World Coin Gallery and the European Central Bank: 2006 VATICAN CITY 2 EUROS - SWISS PONTIFICAL GUARD Thought you'd like know... Clinker
That coin I have; thanks for bringing it up here. The obverse depicts a new Swiss guard during the oath. Here is an image (not mine) of an actual coin: http://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/images/image8505.gif As for the mintage, those Vatican €2 commems are issued in BU only (no proof pieces). The two mintage figures refer to the blister pack (85,000), and a card which combines the coin and stamps, and also has a photo of the oath ceremony: http://www.philweb.it/channews/uploads/articoli/2007_vaticano_busta_guardie_svizzere.jpg Christian
Thanks Christian: Selected the mintage info from wrong coin from other variety. Sure glad you caught the error and corrected it. Clinker
