This mint in Rome is where the Vatican's euro coins are made.
It's a long process. Coming up with and getting approval for the design takes between four and five months. The Vatican then sends a plaster model of the coin to the Italian Mint, the so-called 'Zecca,' where the coins are made.
ANTONIO CASCELLI
Italian National Mint and Printing Institute
'From the moment we receive the model, it takes about 45 days to make the seal.
First the plaster model from the artist is scanned. Then some final touches to the design are made on a computer.
'We added the writing and adapted the model to fit the actual coin's dimensions.'
The Vatican has chosen two themes for this year's edition. On one side, the environment; on the other, the pandemic.
MAURO OLIVIERI
Vatican Philatelic and Numismatic Office
'The silver 20-euro coin reflects that historic moment in St. Peter's Square last March. The pope alone in the square, on that rainy day, with the crucifix behind him.'
The director of the Vatican's numismatic office explains that the coins of this small state are highly prized by collectors.
MAURO OLIVIERI
Vatican Philatelic and Numismatic Office
'The Vatican's coins end up in many different collections and pockets.
We mint and sell about 70,000 two-euro coins, which are made twice a year and feature different themes. Not many countries reach that level of production.'
Though the Vatican is not part of the European Union, it is allowed to mint euros. Technically it can produce coins in any of the EU's mints, but it's always chosen to do so in Italy.
Javier Romero
TR: CT
