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The Vatican has unveiled the euro coins that will usher in a new era in its numismatic history. The 2026 divisional series, the euroset, will be the first of the pontificate of Leo XIV and will finally allow us to see how his portrait has been incorporated into the limited field of the eight regular euro denominations.
However, the real novelty lies not only in the return of a papal effigy to Vatican coins. For the first time, a single series will combine the pontiff's portrait with his coat of arms: Leo XIV will appear on the higher denominations, while the lower denominations will feature his papal emblem.
An unprecedented decision in the Vatican divisions that makes the 2026 collection more than just the numismatic start of a new pontificate.
Two designs for the same series
Since the introduction of the euro, the various Vatican coin series had maintained a single main motif across their eight coins. All featured the portrait of the reigning pontiff, the arms of the Vacant See, or the papal coat of arms, depending on the historical period to which they belonged.
Leo XIV now breaks that uniformity.
The 1, 2, and 5 cent coins feature his papal coat of arms. From the 10 cent coin upwards, his profile portrait appears: the 10, 20, and 50 cent coins, as well as the 1 euro and 2 euro coins, all bear the effigy of the new pontiff.
Worth Design of the national face Engraver
1 cent Coat of arms of León XIV Antonio Vecchio
2 cents Coat of arms of León XIV Emanuele Ferretti
5 cents Coat of arms of León XIV Valerio de Seta
10 cents Portrait of Leo XIV Annalisa Masini
20 cents Portrait of Leo XIV Silvia Petrassi
50 cents Portrait of Leo XIV Antonio Vecchio
1 euro Portrait of Leo XIV Marta Bonifacio
2 euros Portrait and heraldic elements Emanuele Ferretti
2 cents Coat of arms of León XIV Emanuele Ferretti
5 cents Coat of arms of León XIV Valerio de Seta
10 cents Portrait of Leo XIV Annalisa Masini
20 cents Portrait of Leo XIV Silvia Petrassi
50 cents Portrait of Leo XIV Antonio Vecchio
1 euro Portrait of Leo XIV Marta Bonifacio
2 euros Portrait and heraldic elements Emanuele Ferretti
The artistic design and sculptural modeling of the eight coins are the work of Daniela Longo, an artist with a long career in Vatican numismatics. Her work has consisted of unifying a series that uses two very different visual resources: the human portrait and heraldic representation.
The return of the Pope's face
The new series ends a period of almost ten years in which regular Vatican euro coins ceased to display the image of a pope.
Francis appeared portrayed in the divisionals of 2014, 2015 and 2016. From 2017 onwards, by decision of the pontiff himself, his effigy was replaced by the papal coat of arms, a design that remained for the rest of his pontificate.
The arrival of Leo XIV revived a tradition closely linked to Vatican coinage: the representation of the sovereign of Vatican City. The portrait shows him in profile, looking to the right and dressed in pontifical vestments, in a solemn composition but with a particularly naturalistic modeling of the face.
The Governorate itself had announced weeks earlier that the artists were seeking a synthesis between physiognomic realism, solemnity, and the human dimension of the new pontiff. The photographs now published allow us to see the result for the first time.
With the 2026 series, the evolution of the Vatican euro is configured as follows:
Series Period Main design
Series Period Main design
First 2002-2005 Portrait of John Paul II
Second 2005 Emblem of the Vacant See
Third 2006-2013 Portrait of Benedict XVI
Quarter 2014-2016 Portrait of Francis
Fifth 2017-2025 Coat of arms of Francis
Sixth From 2026 Portrait and coat of arms of Leo XIV
Second 2005 Emblem of the Vacant See
Third 2006-2013 Portrait of Benedict XVI
Quarter 2014-2016 Portrait of Francis
Fifth 2017-2025 Coat of arms of Francis
Sixth From 2026 Portrait and coat of arms of Leo XIV
The division between higher and lower values is reminiscent of the system used by some euro area countries to distribute different motifs according to denominations. However, this system has never before been applied to a Vatican pontifical series.
The shield that explains the entire collection
It is divided diagonally into two fields. In the upper, blue field, a white lily appears, associated with the Virgin Mary. In the lower, ivory field, a burning heart pierced by an arrow and placed on a book is depicted.
The heart and arrow come from the tradition of the Order of Saint Augustine, to which Leo XIV belonged. They recall Saint Augustine's words about the heart wounded by the love of God. The book represents both the Word of God, capable of transforming humankind, and the written work of the saint himself.
The set is completed with the keys of Saint Peter, the papal mitre and the motto chosen by Leo XIV: «In Illo uno unum», which can be translated as «In the one Christ we are one».
These symbols are not limited to the 1, 2, and 5 cent coins. The Vatican expressly points out that the regular 2 euro coin also incorporates the lily, the heart pierced by the arrow, and the book, establishing a connection between the Pope's portrait and his Marian and Augustinian identity.
The coat of arms of Leo XIV appears not only on the three copper coins. It also provides the colors and much of the graphic language used in the presentation of the collection.
It is divided diagonally into two fields. In the upper, blue field, a white lily appears, associated with the Virgin Mary. In the lower, ivory field, a burning heart pierced by an arrow and placed on a book is depicted.
The heart and arrow come from the tradition of the Order of Saint Augustine, to which Leo XIV belonged. They recall Saint Augustine's words about the heart wounded by the love of God. The book represents both the Word of God, capable of transforming humankind, and the written work of the saint himself.
The set is completed with the keys of Saint Peter, the papal mitre and the motto chosen by Leo XIV: «In Illo uno unum», which can be translated as «In the one Christ we are one».
These symbols are not limited to the 1, 2, and 5 cent coins. The Vatican expressly points out that the regular 2 euro coin also incorporates the lily, the heart pierced by the arrow, and the book, establishing a connection between the Pope's portrait and his Marian and Augustinian identity.
A case designed from the shield itself.
The inscriptions and most prominent graphic elements are presented in a deep blue. The combination of blue and ivory comes directly from the two fields of Leo XIV's coat of arms and will also be used on the packaging of upcoming Vatican numismatic issues.
Therefore, this is not a design chosen solely for this division. The Vatican is creating its own graphic identity for the coins of the new pontificate.
The 5 euro coin included in the special presentation is dedicated to the eighth centenary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi, which occurred in 1226. 
One side features a portrait of Leo XIV accompanied by the inscription "LEONE XIV PP. ANNO II MMXXVI". The other depicts the so-called "spoliazione", one of the decisive episodes in the life of Saint Francis.
The saint appears at the moment of shedding his clothes and publicly renouncing material possessions. The scene symbolizes his break with his former life, his abandonment of riches, and his absolute surrender to God. Rays of light descend upon Francis, while two figures contemplate the event on either side.
Around it are distributed the legends "CITTÀ DEL VATICANO", "SAN FRANCESCO D'ASSISI", the years "1226-2026" and the value "5 EURO".
The design and modeling of this piece are by Daniela Fusco, while the engraving work was done by Silvia Ciucci. 
The €2 coin shown in these first photographs is the regular coin included in the divisional series. It should not be confused with the two commemorative €2 coins planned by the Vatican for release this year.
The official numismatic program for 2026 includes a commemorative coin dedicated to the "Teachership of Leo XIV" and another for the 400th anniversary of the consecration of St. Peter's Basilica.
This means that the collector will be able to find three different Vatican 2 euro coins dated 2026: the regular one with the portrait of Leo XIV and the two commemorative ones planned in the annual program.
The Vatican is also preparing a divisional in Proof quality accompanied by a 20 euro silver coin dedicated to "Leo XIV - Year II MMXXVI" and another version with a 50 euro gold coin on the same motif.
The new visual identity continues on the case. The papal coat of arms is reproduced on the cover with an effect reminiscent of carved plaster, in relief against an ivory background.
The inscriptions and most prominent graphic elements are presented in a deep blue. The combination of blue and ivory comes directly from the two fields of Leo XIV's coat of arms and will also be used on the packaging of upcoming Vatican numismatic issues.
Therefore, this is not a design chosen solely for this division. The Vatican is creating its own graphic identity for the coins of the new pontificate.
Two versions of the 2026 division
The collection will be presented in two formats in Flor de Cuño quality.
The first version includes the eight regular coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, 1 euro and 2 euros. Their combined face value is 3.88 euros.
The second adds a 5 euro bimetallic collector coin dedicated to the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi, raising the face value of the set to 8.88 euros.
The second adds a 5 euro bimetallic collector coin dedicated to the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi, raising the face value of the set to 8.88 euros.
Version Content Face value
Eight-piece divisional Eight regular coins from 2026 €3.88
Nine-piece divisional Eight regular coins and one 5 euro coin €8.88
The Renunciation of Saint Francis on a Bimetallic Coin
Nine-piece divisional Eight regular coins and one 5 euro coin €8.88
The Renunciation of Saint Francis on a Bimetallic Coin
The 5 euro coin included in the special presentation is dedicated to the eighth centenary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi, which occurred in 1226.
One side features a portrait of Leo XIV accompanied by the inscription "LEONE XIV PP. ANNO II MMXXVI". The other depicts the so-called "spoliazione", one of the decisive episodes in the life of Saint Francis.
The saint appears at the moment of shedding his clothes and publicly renouncing material possessions. The scene symbolizes his break with his former life, his abandonment of riches, and his absolute surrender to God. Rays of light descend upon Francis, while two figures contemplate the event on either side.
Around it are distributed the legends "CITTÀ DEL VATICANO", "SAN FRANCESCO D'ASSISI", the years "1226-2026" and the value "5 EURO".
The design and modeling of this piece are by Daniela Fusco, while the engraving work was done by Silvia Ciucci.
It will not be the only Vatican 2 euro coin in 2026
The €2 coin shown in these first photographs is the regular coin included in the divisional series. It should not be confused with the two commemorative €2 coins planned by the Vatican for release this year.
The official numismatic program for 2026 includes a commemorative coin dedicated to the "Teachership of Leo XIV" and another for the 400th anniversary of the consecration of St. Peter's Basilica.
This means that the collector will be able to find three different Vatican 2 euro coins dated 2026: the regular one with the portrait of Leo XIV and the two commemorative ones planned in the annual program.
The Vatican is also preparing a divisional in Proof quality accompanied by a 20 euro silver coin dedicated to "Leo XIV - Year II MMXXVI" and another version with a 50 euro gold coin on the same motif.
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