🪙 Coin Profile
Issuer: Vatican City
Pope: Pius XII (1939–1958)
Type: Standard circulation coin
Years Minted: 1939–1941
Value: 5 Lire (5 VAL)
Currency: Lira (1929–2001)
Composition: Silver (.835)
Weight: 5 g
Diameter: 23 mm
Thickness: 1.5 mm
Shape: Round
Technique: Milled
Orientation: Coin alignment ↑↓
Demonetized: Yes
References: KM# 28, Berman# 3375
Mintage: Around 1.5–2 million depending on year
⸻
🔍 Design Details
Obverse: Portrait of Pope Pius XII facing left with inscription “PIVS XII PONTIFEX MAXIMVS ANNO I.”
Reverse: Saint Peter in a boat, raising his hand in blessing — symbolizing faith steering the Church through turbulent waters. Inscribed “STATO DELLA CITTÀ DEL VATICANO.”
📜 Historical Context
Struck in 1939, the first year of Pope Pius XII’s reign, this 5 Lire silver coin was minted as Europe entered World War II. Its imagery of Saint Peter guiding his boat represents the Vatican’s mission to navigate faith through chaos — a timeless metaphor of hope and endurance.
🪙 Coin Profile
Issuer: Vatican City
Pope: Pius XII (1939–1958)
Type: Standard circulation coin
Years Minted: 1939–1941
Value: 5 Lire (5 VAL)
Currency: Lira (1929–2001)
Composition: Silver (.835)
Weight: 5 g
Diameter: 23 mm
Thickness: 1.5 mm
Shape: Round
Technique: Milled
Orientation: Coin alignment ↑↓
Demonetized: Yes
References: KM# 28, Berman# 3375
Mintage: Around 1.5–2 million depending on year
⸻
🔍 Design Details
Obverse: Portrait of Pope Pius XII facing left with inscription “PIVS XII PONTIFEX MAXIMVS ANNO I.”
Reverse: Saint Peter in a boat, raising his hand in blessing — symbolizing faith steering the Church through turbulent waters. Inscribed “STATO DELLA CITTÀ DEL VATICANO.”
📜 Historical Context
Struck in 1939, the first year of Pope Pius XII’s reign, this 5 Lire silver coin was minted as Europe entered World War II. Its imagery of Saint Peter guiding his boat represents the Vatican’s mission to navigate faith through chaos — a timeless metaphor of hope and endurance.
