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CC 21 2006
Numismatic cover
BU
Numismatic cover
Vatican · 500 years of Swiss Guard
Mintage15,000
Issue price€45.00
Issue date9 Nov 2006
PackagingNumismatic cover
Edge lettering2 ★ × 6, alternately upright/inverted
Market price€210.00
Issue occasion
The commemorative coin marks the 500th anniversary of the Päpstliche Schweizergarde. The design shows a Swiss Guard taking the solemn oath on the flag of the Schweizergarde, surrounded by the inscriptions “GUARDIA SVIZZERA PONTIFICIA” and “CITTÁ DEL VATICANO”, as well as the years 1506 and 2006.
The design
The coin depicts a Swiss Guard taking the solemn oath on the flag of the Swiss Guard. Arranged in a semicircle around the image of the Swiss Guard is the inscription “GUARDIA SVIZZERA PONTIFICIA”. The semicircle is completed to form a circle by the name of the issuing state beneath the flag — “CITTÁ DEL VATICANO”. On the left, above the engraver’s signature — “O. ROSSI” — placed along the flagpole, is the year 1506. On the right, the year 2006 is shown above the mint mark — “R”. The outer ring of the coin bears the twelve stars of the European Union.
Background on the topic
The Pontifical Swiss Guard (Päpstliche Schweizergarde) was established under Pope Julius II. At the beginning of the 16th century, Swiss infantrymen were sought-after mercenaries because of their training and their close-order battle formations. On 22 January 1506, an initial contingent of 150 Swiss soldiers under Captain Kaspar von Silenen arrived in Rome and entered papal service. This date is regarded as the founding day of the Guard.
A defining event in its history was the Sacco di Roma on 6 May 1527. During the sack of Rome by the troops of Emperor Karls V., the guardsmen defended Pope Clemens VII. The Pope was able to escape through the fortified passage between the Vatican and Castel Sant’Angelo, the Passetto di Borgo. Of the total of 189 guardsmen, 147 died according to the traditional count. In remembrance of this, new recruits have continued to swear their oath on 6 May to this day.
In the oath, the guardsmen pledge to serve the reigning Pope and his legitimate successors and, if necessary, to protect them at the cost of their own lives. The Guard performs both protection and guard duties as well as ceremonial tasks. Among other things, it guards entrances to the Apostolic Palace (Apostolischer Palast) and accompanies the Pope at certain appearances. The Gendarmerie Corps (Gendarmeriekorps) is also responsible for general police and security duties in the Vatican.
Admission is open to Swiss citizens of the Catholic faith who have previously completed basic military training in Switzerland. The colourful uniform incorporates Renaissance forms. Contrary to a widespread account, it was not designed by Michelangelo; its present basic form was introduced in the early 20th century under the Guard Commander Jules Repond.
The round anniversary provided the Vatican City State with an occasion to honour an institution closely associated with the papal office and the history of the Vatican. At the same time, the anniversary of the Sacco di Roma explains why the swearing-in is regarded as the central symbol of the Guard.
A defining event in its history was the Sacco di Roma on 6 May 1527. During the sack of Rome by the troops of Emperor Karls V., the guardsmen defended Pope Clemens VII. The Pope was able to escape through the fortified passage between the Vatican and Castel Sant’Angelo, the Passetto di Borgo. Of the total of 189 guardsmen, 147 died according to the traditional count. In remembrance of this, new recruits have continued to swear their oath on 6 May to this day.
In the oath, the guardsmen pledge to serve the reigning Pope and his legitimate successors and, if necessary, to protect them at the cost of their own lives. The Guard performs both protection and guard duties as well as ceremonial tasks. Among other things, it guards entrances to the Apostolic Palace (Apostolischer Palast) and accompanies the Pope at certain appearances. The Gendarmerie Corps (Gendarmeriekorps) is also responsible for general police and security duties in the Vatican.
Admission is open to Swiss citizens of the Catholic faith who have previously completed basic military training in Switzerland. The colourful uniform incorporates Renaissance forms. Contrary to a widespread account, it was not designed by Michelangelo; its present basic form was introduced in the early 20th century under the Guard Commander Jules Repond.
The round anniversary provided the Vatican City State with an occasion to honour an institution closely associated with the papal office and the history of the Vatican. At the same time, the anniversary of the Sacco di Roma explains why the swearing-in is regarded as the central symbol of the Guard.