Paul VI died on August 6, 1978, making this his final annual coin issue. That year saw two conclaves — the shortest pontificate of the 20th century followed immediately by John Paul I's 33-day reign — meaning three different popes held office within a single calendar year, an occurrence not seen since 1605.
Paul VI died on August 6, 1978, making this his final annual coin issue. That year saw two conclaves — the shortest pontificate of the 20th century followed immediately by John Paul I's 33-day reign — meaning three different popes held office within a single calendar year, an occurrence not seen since 1605.