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500 Francs CFA Pope John XXIII
| Issuer | Benin (1975-date) |
|---|---|
| Year | 2014 |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Weight | 14.17 g |
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|---|---|
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| Reverse description | The reverse features a full-color printed design commemorating the 85th anniversary of Vatican City State. A finely detailed portrait bust of a pope in prayer vestments, wearing a zucchetto, is depicted in left profile in the left foreground rendered in silver relief. Behind the effigy, a vivid color illustration of the illuminated Brandenburg Gate at night forms the background. The upper legend reads 85 YEARS OF VATICAN CITY STATE 11.02.2014, while the lower right legend identifies ST. JOHN PAUL II 1978-2005. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
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| Additional information |
Benin's use of the BCEAO-administered CFA franc for commemorative silver issues has long been a revenue mechanism rather than a monetary one — these pieces are struck for the collector market and never circulate. Pope John XXIII, who died in 1963, has been a recurring subject in Vatican-themed numismatic programs globally since his beatification in 2000 and canonization in 2014, the same year this piece was issued. The timing is not coincidental.