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1000 Francs CFA Pope John Paul II - Totus Tuus
| Issuer | Benin (1975-date) |
|---|---|
| Year | 2014 |
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| Reference(s) | KM#104 |
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| Reverse description | The reverse presents a finely detailed composition commemorating the canonization of Saint John Paul II. In the lower left foreground, a realistic portrait bust of Pope John Paul II is depicted in profile with hands clasped in prayer, wearing his papal vestments and skullcap. Behind him, in the central and right field, stands the figure of the Virgin Mary in flowing robes with hands raised in blessing, flanked by two kneeling angels on either side rendered in a devotional, neo-classical style. The papal coat of arms appears in the lower right field. The legend TOTUS TUUS arcs along the upper left border and ST. JOHN PAUL II CANONIZATION along the upper right, with the date 27.04 2014 inscribed along the lower periphery. The design is struck in antiqued high relief with a contrasting darkened background. |
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| Edge | Reeded |
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| Additional information |
Issued under Benin's arrangement with the Monnaie de Paris, this belongs to a sprawling category of commemorative silver struck for francophone African states that hold no meaningful connection to the subject honored. Benin has no Catholic majority, no papal visit on record, and no particular diplomatic tie to the Vatican that would explain the choice. The series exists entirely as a revenue instrument — collector-market pieces sold abroad, never intended for domestic circulation.
"Totus Tuus" was the personal motto John Paul II adopted from the writings of Saint Louis de Montfort, a phrase he carried from his early priestly years in occupied Poland through to his pontificate.