Agreement signed today for a coordinated issue: three coins united in a single project for the 800th anniversary of the Saint’s death

Vatican City, March 30, 2026 – For the very first time, three States have joined forces in a numismatic project in the name of Saint Francis. The Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato of Italy, the Governorate of Vatican City State, and Poste San Marino have signed an agreement establishing, for the first time, the creation of a triptych of commemorative coins dedicated to the song Canticle of the Creatures [aka Canticle of the Sun], in the year marking the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi (1226–2026).

The new Vatican euro coin set, the first issued during the pontificate of Pope Leo XIV, draws direct inspiration from the pope's coat of arms, reproduced on the cover with a chalk-effect finish and embossed on an ivory background. A deep blue highlights the inscriptions and key graphic elements, echoing the colours of the two heraldic fields of the papal shield.

The new Vatican euro coin set, the first issued during the pontificate of Pope Leo XIV, draws direct inspiration from the pope's coat of arms, reproduced on the cover with a chalk-effect finish and embossed on an ivory background. A deep blue highlights the inscriptions and key graphic elements, echoing the colours of the two heraldic fields of the papal shield. This same colour combination will become even more prominent in the new packaging design that will accompany future numismatic issues.