Depicts Pope Francis's crowned coat of arms encircled by the inscription "Pope Francis Year 12 2024" (XII - 12 and MMXXIV - 2024 in Roman numerals) and "By having mercy and by choosing" in the middle. The engraver's and sculptor's names are on the bottom right and left.

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.

Depicts Saint Thomas Aquinas in the habit of the Dominican Order with a radiant sun on his chest. He holds the "Summa Theologica" book and a pen, symbolizing his dedication to reading and writing. A dove next to his ear and the phrase "bene scripsisti de me thoma" engraved on the cross refer to his mystical conversation with Jesus. The praying angels on the left side of the coin highlight his extensive study of angelology in Summa Theologica.

The depiction is flanked by the inscription "Vatican City" on the left and above, with the denomination, the Italian State Mint and Polygraphic Institute's mintmark (R), and the dates of Thomas Aquinas's death and the issue located at the bottom.