Holier Than Thou - Help Identify Vatican Pieces please :)

FC57Coins

Well - let's face it - he kinda was

Anyway, found this mint set (???) at the Chattanooga Show today - the 500 Lira piece was the coin that really caught my eye - it appears to be in about MS63 condition, but the color on it is gorgeous - can anyone tell me anything about these coins? When issued? Significance, etc.?

Thanks

Frank



500 Lira Piece:

spoon

Nice set 1963 was the first year of Pope Paul VI's pontificate.

spoon

More info on this pope can be found here

About the coins.. as of 1990 (old book) this set was $58 with a mintage of 60K. A year before and after were $37 each, so this is probably a better date. The coat of arms on reverse is specific to that pope, as each one has his own.

newsman

Nice set -- that 500 lire has nice toning from the cardboard holder, and these sets seem to be climbing in value lately.

tbirde56

The '03 Krause lists the '63 set at $65 with mintage of 60,000.

FC57Coins

Kewl - thanks guys - I picked up the set for $12 - as I said - it was neglected, and the 500 Lira does look very nice so I'll keep'em and see

Frank

1jester

Hey, you closet Darksider you!!! Nice Vatican mint set, Frank. I don't collect them, but they are indeed very popular and sometimes quite scarce. You got a great deal.