Vatican City, 2000th anniversary of the Birth of Jesus

Christmas Coin

 

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Another nice coin - and while we now know (as in best guess) that Jesus was born around 5 BC, it certainly makes sense, especially for a Roman Catholic country, to celebrate the year 2000 as the bimillenary. The L.2000 face value is appropriate too. The star on the side featuring the Pope, by the way, is the one in Bethlehem. If you look at this photo in full size, you can even recognize the 1717 date which you can also see on the coin. That is when the star was added, see here. ("Site layout and architectural expansion > The Grotto of the Nativity")

Christian

 

Thank you for all of the information and photos. I had to look at the front of the coin with a magnifying glass to see the 1717 date.

 

Back then, it was believed that the Saints died on the anniversary of their conception. That's one reason we celebrate Christmas when we do.

 

Do you mean that Jesus was actually crucified on Christmas rather than Good Friday? That's what I am understanding from what you wrote.

 

Jesus was conceived about 9 months before birth. He died in the spring, when he was conceived, but His Birth Date was about 9 months after conception.
Easter is a movable feast, so that the holiday follows the pattern of the original event. So, the actual date varies, for a purpose. There is no reason to vary Christmas. Thus, conception in Spring, birth in late December, died in Spring

 

Thank you.