Obverse. Photo © Katz Auction
  • 25 Shillings 2000, KM# 71, Somalia, Millennium Icons, Pope John Paul II
  • 25 Shillings 2000, KM# 71, Somalia, Millennium Icons, Pope John Paul II
Description

Pope Saint John Paul II, born Karol Józef Wojtyła (1920–2005), served as Pope from 1978 to 2005. He was one of the most travelled world leaders in history, visiting 129 countries during his pontificate. As part of his special emphasis on the universal call to holiness, he beatified 1,340 people and canonised 483 saints, more than the combined tally of his predecessors during the preceding five centuries. He was the second longest-serving pope in modern history after Pope Pius IX, who served for nearly 32 years.

Obverse

Depicts the coat of arms of Somalia, surrounded by the country name above and the denomination in English below.

The coat of arms of Somalia, adopted on October 10, 1956, features a shield embellished with the Somali flag, accompanied by two Leopards standing atop crossed spears. Positioned at the center of the flag is the Star of Unity, and a crown adorns the top of the shield. Completing the emblem are crossed spears underneath, entwined with a ribbon.

REPUBLIC OF SOMALIA
25 SHILLINGS

Reverse

Depicts a portrait of Pope John Paul II three-quarters left surrounded by his name above, inscriptions, and date below.

POPE JOHN PAUL II
MILLENNIUM ICONS
2000

Edge

25 Shillings

Republic
KM# 71
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Cupronickel
Weight 20.2 g
Diameter 38 mm
Thickness 2.35 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal

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