Since October 8, collectors are now able to purchase the official coin for the first year of Pope Francis’ pontificate.
The
front of the coin shows the image of the Holy Father smiling and
bestowing his blessing, with the words encircled above him: “Franciscus
Pont. Max An. I.”
On the reverse side there is an image of the Gospel
scene in which Jesus calls Matthew to follow him, encircled by the motto
of Pope Francis, in Latin: Vidit ergo Jesus publicanum et quia
miserando atque eligendo vidit, ait illi: ‘ ‘sequere me’.”
(“Jesus
therefore sees the tax collector, and since he sees by having mercy and
by choosing, he says to him, ‘follow me’.”)
This passage, taken
from a homily delivered by Saint Bede the Venerable, holds special
significance for Pope Francis.
It was on the feast of Saint Matthew in
1953 that the 17 year old Jorge Mario Bergoglio first experienced, in a
particular way, the loving presence of God in his life.
After making his
confession, he felt God call him to enter the religious life, following
the example of Saint Ignatius of Loyola.
Every coin is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity, stamped with the seal of
the Secretary of State and of the Italian Mint.
The 44 mm coin,
designed by Mariangela Crisciotti and produced by the State Mint and
Polygraphic Institute, is now available in gold, silver, and bronze.