Obverse: The centre of the coin depicts the dome of St Peter's Basilica designed by Michelangelo, on which the artist worked until his death in 1564. The lower part of the composition features a stylised representation of the architectural structure of the Sistine Chapel vault, made famous by Michelangelo's frescoes. On the left appear vertically Michelangelo's autograph Michelagniolo, the R mint mark of the Rome Mint and the mark of designer Daniela Longo. The inscription CITTÀ DEL VATICANO runs along the upper edge, accompanied by the years 1475 and 2025. The outer ring features the 12 stars of the European Union.
Reverse: The reverse features the standard design common to all €2 coins: a geographical map of Western Europe positioned on the right side of the coin and extending across both the inner and outer parts. The inscription 2 EURO appears above the map, while the numeral 2 is placed against the background of the Atlantic Ocean. The outer ring contains 12 stars positioned on either side of the map, with vertical lines visually connecting the upper and lower stars.
About the coin: This commemorative €2 coin, issued by the Vatican in 2025, is dedicated to the 550th anniversary of the birth of Michelangelo Buonarroti. Born in 1475, Michelangelo was one of the most celebrated sculptors, painters and architects of the Italian Renaissance. Two symbols of his work closely associated with the Vatican were chosen for the coin's design – the dome of St Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. The coin was designed by Daniela Longo. The total mintage is 80,000 coins, with the issue available in BU and Proof versions.
