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CC 275 2017
2 euro coin
Proof
2 Euro Proof
Vatican · 1950 years since the martyrdom of Petrus and Paulus
Mintage10,000
Issue price€37.00
Issue date1 Jun 2017
Packagingin case
Edge lettering2 ★ × 6, alternately upright/inverted
Market price€59.00
Issue occasion
The coin commemorates the 1950th anniversary of the martyrdom of Saints Peter and Paul (Petrus and Paulus). The design shows both saints with their respective symbols, Peter with the keys and Paul with the sword. The inscriptions “CITTA DEL VATICANO” and “1950o DEL MARTIRIO DEI SANTI PIETRO E PAOLO” appear in a semicircle.
The design
In the inner part of the coin, Saints Petrus and Paulus are depicted with their respective symbols, the keys and the sword. The inscription “CITTA DEL VATICANO” runs semicircularly along the upper edge. The inscription “1950o DEL MARTIRIO DEI SANTI PIETRO E PAOLO” runs semicircularly along the lower edge. The year of issue “2017” is located at the bottom left and the mint mark “R” at the bottom right. The artist’s name “G. TITOTTO” is positioned between them.
The twelve stars of the European flag are depicted on the outer coin ring.
The twelve stars of the European flag are depicted on the outer coin ring.
Background on the topic
Petrus and Paulus belonged to the first generation of Christianity and are closely associated with Rom in church tradition. Petrus, originally a fisherman from Galilee, was one of Jesus’ twelve apostles. The Gospels portray him as the spokesman of the circle of disciples. His confession of Jesus as the Christ later became one of the foundations of the teaching on the special mission of Petrus. The Roman Catholic Church regards the Pope as his successor in the episcopal office of Rom.
Paulus, initially known by the name Saulus, came from Tarsus and was of Jewish origin as well as a Roman citizen. After persecuting the early Christian community, he himself became a missionary following a conversion experience. On several journeys, he founded and supported communities, particularly in the eastern Mediterranean region. His letters preserved in the New Testament address questions of faith and problems faced by the early communities. Because of his work among non-Jewish populations, he is referred to as the “Apostle of the Nations”.
The New Testament does not directly report the deaths of the two apostles. According to early Christian tradition, however, they died in Rom during the reign of Emperor Nero. Petrus is said to have been crucified, while Paulus, as a Roman citizen, is said to have been beheaded. The exact years and circumstances cannot be established with historical certainty; their deaths are often placed in the period of the Neronian persecution of Christians following the fire of Rom in the year 64. The anniversary count of 2017 is based on the traditional dating to the year 67.
Both are liturgically celebrated together on 29 June. The St. Peter’s Basilica (Petersbasilika) in the Vatican and the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls (Basilika Sankt Paul vor den Mauern) were built over the sites venerated as their burial places. The anniversary was therefore fitting for the Vatican City State (Staat Vatikanstadt), as Petrus is associated with the papacy and both apostles with the origins of the Church of Rom.
Paulus, initially known by the name Saulus, came from Tarsus and was of Jewish origin as well as a Roman citizen. After persecuting the early Christian community, he himself became a missionary following a conversion experience. On several journeys, he founded and supported communities, particularly in the eastern Mediterranean region. His letters preserved in the New Testament address questions of faith and problems faced by the early communities. Because of his work among non-Jewish populations, he is referred to as the “Apostle of the Nations”.
The New Testament does not directly report the deaths of the two apostles. According to early Christian tradition, however, they died in Rom during the reign of Emperor Nero. Petrus is said to have been crucified, while Paulus, as a Roman citizen, is said to have been beheaded. The exact years and circumstances cannot be established with historical certainty; their deaths are often placed in the period of the Neronian persecution of Christians following the fire of Rom in the year 64. The anniversary count of 2017 is based on the traditional dating to the year 67.
Both are liturgically celebrated together on 29 June. The St. Peter’s Basilica (Petersbasilika) in the Vatican and the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls (Basilika Sankt Paul vor den Mauern) were built over the sites venerated as their burial places. The anniversary was therefore fitting for the Vatican City State (Staat Vatikanstadt), as Petrus is associated with the papacy and both apostles with the origins of the Church of Rom.
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