Hi, I've come across a mint set from Vatican which was really confusing for me. The coins upto the denomination of 200 Lira belongs to the period 1970-1976. But there is another coin/medal/other with the head of Paul II (so i assume) which i'm not able to identify. Please help me in this regard.
Well, I can tell ya that it's from 1973 - the MCMLXXIII is 1973 in Roman numerals. And it does have John Paul the II there on the top center coin. It is probably just the mint set of coins that the Vatican puts out every year from there. That's an awesome set! Where did you get it? ~AJ
Erm, if it's 1973 it has to be Paul VI. John Paul II did not become pope till 1978 and Paul II was a pope in the 13th century. What comes after the Roman date fits the bill: ANNO X (year 10) as Paul VI reigned 1963-1978 (from the picture it kinda looks like "ANNO XI" though). Whether that coin in the middle features Paul VI I can't tell from the picture. But I'm pretty sure the inscription on the coin will say who the guy is. You can look up some photographs and info on this pope and judge for yourself: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Paul_VI
Thanx a lot friend, I think what kvsir told is right... that must be Paul VI.. Thanx a lot for replying... I got this set from a dealer for 24$.
Does the coin with the photo of the Pope on it have PAVLVS VI or PAVLVS II? (I just can't see it in the photo.) ~AJ
The medal says 'IOANNES PAULUS II',which is the Latin for 'John Paul II',or as we knew him,Pope John Paul II of Rome.The medal is a muck metal that looks like silver,but it is too light to be made of silver.My boss & I often come across these medals.I reckon they're rubbish,to be quite frank. Aidan.
That's what I thought, but then the set shouldn't be from 1973 - BEFORE JPII was placed into the position of Pope. Right?
