Poland, the native land of Pope John Paul II, announced on Wednesday
it will strike collector coins to memorialize its native son ahead of
when he is blessed, the Associated Press reports.
The
European nation will mint 500 gold coins that are worth 1,000 zlotys
apiece, or the equivalent of $350.
Lesser-valued gold coins also will be
struck at 100 zlotys ($35) and 25 zlotys ($8.75).
The nation also will
mint a silver coin that is worth 20 zlotys ($7).
All coins will
contain an image of the pope while the top-valued gold coin also will
have an image of Poland state emblem, which is an eagle.
Designs for the coins were presented in Warsaw.
They will become available for purchase in April.
Pope
John Paul II was born Karol Wojtyla and his successor Benedict XVI will
bless his memory on May 1 at mass in St. Peter's Square.
Pope John Paul
II died at the Vatican in 2005.