Description

The Vatican Mint dedicates the 20 euro silver coin to the allegory of backbiting, a theme frequently discussed by Pope Francis. He has remarked that “a person in a community who gossips against his or her neighbour is, in a sense, killing him” (September 2, 2013) and reiterated during the Synod of 2023 that “among the things that most sadden the Holy Spirit are empty words” (Paul VI Hall, October 4, 2023).

Engraver: Antonio Vecchio
Designer: Marianna Frisone

Obverse

Depicts Pope Francis's crowned coat of arms encircled by the inscription "Pope Francis Year 12 2024" above and "By having mercy and by choosing" below. The engraver's and designer's privy marks below the coat of arms.

The coat of arms features three symbols on a blue field. At the top is the emblem of the Society of Jesus, reflecting Francis' Jesuit background. This emblem includes a radiant sun with the IHS christogram. Below are an eight-pointed star, symbolizing the Virgin Mary, and a spikenard representing Saint Joseph. Francis uniquely retained his personal motto, "Miserando atque eligendo" (Latin for "by having mercy, by choosing him"), from Saint Bede's 21st homily on the Gospel of Matthew.

The papal tiara, a crown worn by popes from the 8th century until the mid-20th century, was last used by Pope Paul VI in 1963. From 1143 to 1963, it was used during papal coronations. The remaining tiaras are all of the triple form, with the oldest dating from 1572.

• FRANCISCVS PP. ANNO XII MMXXIV •
IHS
M.A.FRISONE
AV INC.
MISERANDO ATQUE ELIGENDO

Reverse

Depicts an image symbolizing slander, featuring two central figures: a woman whispering into a man's ear and, on the left, a small angel with his index finger on his lips, signaling for silence as a reminder to choose words carefully. The state name (Vatican City) and the denomination above, the mintmark of the Italian State Mint and Polygraphic Institute (R) below.

CITTA´ DEL VATICANO
R
20 EURO

Edge

20 Euro

Gossiping

KM#
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.925
Weight 26 g
Diameter 36 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Italian State Mint and Polygraphic Institute (IPZS)

Related coins

Saint Peter and the Rooster

Art and Faith

Copper, 15 g, ⌀ 32 mm