This 1975 Vatican City 500 Lire silver coin was issued during the pontificate of Pope Paul VI. Featuring the papal coat of arms on one side and an elegant composition of wheat ears and a grape cluster on the other, the coin combines religious symbolism with the agricultural imagery associated with bread and wine.
Struck in 83.5% silver, this historic pre-euro issue is an appealing collectible for enthusiasts of Vatican coinage, papal history, European silver coins, and religious-themed numismatics.
Obverse – Papal Coat of Arms
The obverse features the coat of arms of Pope Paul VI, incorporating a shield, crossed keys of Saint Peter, and the papal tiara. The surrounding Latin inscription reads “PAVLVS VI P.M. A. XIII MCMLXXV,” identifying Paul VI as Supreme Pontiff in the thirteenth year of his pontificate and giving the date as 1975.
Reverse – Wheat and Grapes
The reverse depicts ears of wheat and a cluster of grapes, surrounded by the inscription “CITTÀ DEL VATICANO” and the denomination “L. 500.” These agricultural motifs carry associations with bread and wine in Christian tradition, giving the design a distinctive religious and artistic character.
Coin Details
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Issuing Authority: Vatican City
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Year: 1975
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Denomination: 500 Lire
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Pope: Paul VI (1963–1978)
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Catalogue Reference: KM#123
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Metal: Silver
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Silver Purity: 835/1000 (83.5%)
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Weight: 11 grams
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Diameter: Approximately 29.3 mm
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Thickness: Approximately 2 mm
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Mint: Rome, Italy
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Currency: Vatican lira
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Edge Inscription: “IN NOMINE DOMINI +++”
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Age: 51 years old in 2026
Historical Background
Vatican City issued its own coinage within the Italian monetary system before the introduction of the euro. Coins from the pontificate of Paul VI reflect an important period in modern Church history, following the Second Vatican Council and its reforms.
The 500 Lire silver series combined the papal coat of arms with symbolic designs, making these coins attractive to both numismatists and collectors interested in religious history.
Numismatic Significance
Catalogued as KM#123, this coin belongs to the Vatican’s 1970–1976 500 Lire silver series. Its 835-fine silver composition, papal heraldry, and wheat-and-grapes design give it both precious-metal interest and historical significance.
Collector’s Appeal
An excellent addition to collections of Vatican City coins, Pope Paul VI memorabilia, silver world coins, pre-euro currency, and Christian-themed numismatics. Its detailed papal arms, symbolic reverse, and 1975 date make it a distinctive example of 20th-century Vatican coinage.
