Rummaging through a random box, I came across this forgotten Vatican coin that I picked up somewhere at sometime. I have no memory of purchasing it. Still, I like the design. The reverse reminds me a little of some ancient Roman coin designs that feature groups of people. Obverse shows Pope John XXIII (who served as Pope from 1958 - 1963) and the reverse depicts Vatican II. Composition: Silver (.835) Obverse: IOANNES·XXIII·PONTIFEX·MAXIMVS·A·IV Reverse: CONCILIVM·CEC·VAT·II·A·MCMLXII·INITVM CITTA' DEL VATICANO L·500
I have 3 of the 5 given to us in 63 at our Papal Audience with John XXIII, in the original presentation cases. They are not going anywhere.
That particular Commemorative is a bit more than little money. It is the 2nd Vatican Council Commemorative, the 21st Ecumenical Council. There were counterfeits galore, due to the subject matter, and were available at tourist traps.
Nice find, maybe it's a harbinger of things to come, like cleaning your storage of coins up. LOL I like it. Thanks for posting it. I thought I bought a nice silver Pope coin when I visited the Vatican, but can't seem to locate it, so, like you, I should clean my own place before telling others to do it. LOL I did find my Tower of London silver coin.
