Catalog
| Issuer | Vatican City |
|---|---|
| Year | 1929-1938 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 10 Centesimi (0.10 VAL) |
| Currency | Lira (1929-2001) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 5.5 g |
| Diameter | 22.5 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Engraver(s) | Aurelio Mistruzzi |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | KM#2, Schön#2 |
| Obverse description | Crowned coat of arms divides date, name of pope |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering |
PIVS XI P·M·AN·X 19 31 (Translation: Pius XI Pontifex Maximus (highest priest) Year Ten (of his reign)) |
| Reverse description | St. Peter bust right, value |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering |
STATO DELLA CITTÀ DEL VATICANO C. 10 (Translation: State of Vatican City) |
| Edge | Smooth |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
1929 - VIII - 10 000 1930 - IX - 90 000 1931 - X - 90 000 1932 - XI - 90 000 1934 - XIII - 90 000 1935 - XIV - 90 000 1936 - XV - 81 000 1937 - XVI - 81 000 1938 - XVII - |
| Numisquare ID | 2165517960 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This 10 Centesimi coin was issued during Pope Pius XI's pontificate (1929-1938), a pivotal era. Production began in 1929, the year the Lateran Treaty established Vatican City as an independent sovereign state. This agreement resolved the "Roman Question" and restored papal temporal sovereignty. This coin represents one of the inaugural monetary issues of the newly formed state, symbolizing its re-emergence with its own currency.
Artistry: The design is attributed to Giuseppe Romagnoli, a prominent Italian medalist and chief engraver for the Papal Mint. His work reflects the prevailing Neoclassical style, characterized by dignified portraiture and balanced compositions, with modern simplicity. The obverse features a rendered bust of Pope Pius XI, facing right. The reverse displays "C. 10" centrally, often flanked by stylized olive branches and surmounted by a cross, encircled by "STATO DELLA CITTÀ DEL VATICANO."
Technical/Grading: Struck in bronze (5.5 grams, 22.5 millimeters), this coin is robust but susceptible to wear. High-points for grading on the obverse include Pope Pius XI's hair, camauro folds, and nose tip. On the reverse, assess the sharpness of the central cross and veins within the olive branches. Well-struck examples exhibit crisp details and a pleasing, satiny, original bronze luster; circulated pieces frequently show softness in these areas.