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50 Francs Pontifical Swiss Guard
| Issuer | Swissmint |
|---|---|
| Year | 2006 |
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| Reference(s) | KM#116, Fr#526 |
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|---|---|
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| Reverse description | The reverse depicts a three-quarter standing figure of a Pontifical Swiss Guard in traditional Renaissance-era uniform, holding a halberd upright in his right hand. A square geometric grid pattern fills the background field behind the figure, evoking the distinctive pattern of the Guard's ceremonial attire. The legend 'GUARDIA SVIZZERA PONTIFICIA' is inscribed along the lower portion of the coin, while the commemorative dates '1506 – 2006' appear in the upper field, marking the 500th anniversary of the founding of the Pontifical Swiss Guard. |
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| Reverse lettering | 1506 – 2006 GUARDIA SVIZZERA PONTIFICIA |
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| Additional information |
Issued to mark the 500th anniversary of the Papal Swiss Guard, this coin commemorates the date of May 6, 1527 — the day Spanish and German troops sacked Rome and slaughtered 147 of the 189 guardsmen protecting Clement VII. The survivors held long enough for the Pope to escape through the Passetto di Borgo to Castel Sant'Angelo. That single action became the founding myth of the Guard as a fighting force rather than a ceremonial one.
Fr#526 is the standard catalogue reference for this Vreneli-series successor type from Bern.