January 13, 2010. They come in gold, silver and bronze. Collectors pay big bucks for them online.

And every time a new batch arrives they go as fast as the latest video game at retailers. Vatican euro coins are rare, how rare?

Vatican is only allowed to mint 1 million euros worth a year. Most end up in sets that go for 30 euros at souvenir shops and nearly all in the hands of collectors, until now.

Pier Paolo Francini
Philatelic & Numismatic Office (Vatican)
“This new agreement is very important, because starting in 2010, Vatican City will be allowed to produce more coins than ever before.”

And distribute them like the rest. Under a new agreement between the Vatican and the European Union, the Vatican will be allowed produce double the monetary value of the coins starting in 2010, plus put 51 percent into circulation.

Meaning anyone who visits the Vatican may get the collectors item for free!

Pier Paolo Francini
Philatelic & Numismatic Office (Vatican)
“For example, when they buy a ticket to get into at the Vatican museums, they may get a Vatican euro in their change, or at any business within Vatican City like the library, or even the pharmacy.”

But experts warn no matter how many coins Vatican is allowed to make, collecting the only coin in the world with the pope’s image may never go out of style.

Pier Paolo Francini
Philatelic & Numismatic Office (Vatican)
“Obviously, 99 percent of tourists will not continue to circulate the coins they will put them in their pockets and take them home as souvenirs of their trip to Rome and the Vatican.”

The coins range in monetary value from 1 cent to 2 euros. But to many who want to hold on this shiny treasure the Vatican euro is priceless.

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