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500 Francs CFA The Resignation of Pope Benedict XVI
| Issuer | Togo |
|---|---|
| Year | 2013 |
| Type | Non-circulating coin |
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|---|---|
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| Reverse description | The central motif depicts the ornate Papal Throne (Sedia Gestatoria) rendered in fine detail, shown unoccupied to symbolise the Sede Vacante following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI in February 2013. The elaborately carved throne, bearing pontifical insignia including the crossed keys of Saint Peter on its back panel, is surrounded on both sides by a crowd of robed figures rendered in high relief, evoking the atmosphere of the Vatican. The legend SEDE VACANTE 2013 is inscribed vertically along the left field. |
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| Reverse lettering | SEDE VACANTE 2013 (Translation: Vacant seat) |
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| Additional information |
Benedict XVI's resignation in February 2013 was the first papal abdication since Gregory XII in 1415, and the first voluntary one since Celestine V in 1294. Togo, like several other small African states operating through the Monnaie de Paris and affiliated private mints, moved quickly to issue commemorative pieces for the collector market — a business model that has little to do with domestic circulation and everything to do with the global numismatic trade in novelty silver.
The 1415 precedent is worth noting: Gregory XII resigned under considerable duress to end the Western Schism, under pressure from the Council of Constance. Benedict's was a unilateral decision, citing deteriorating physical and mental capacity — the first pope to cite personal infirmity as grounds.