Coin Vatican City State 2 Euro Commemorative ? 2006 ? Swiss Guard

This 2 euro commemorative coin, minted by the Vatican in 2006, marks the 500th anniversary of the Pontifical Swiss Guard (1506-2006). It is composed of bimetal, with a weight of 8.5 grams and a diameter of 25.75 millimeters.

The obverse of the coin features a Swiss Guard in uniform, in a solemn moment of oath of loyalty to the Pope. The inscription "GUARDIA SVIZZERA PONTIFICIA" is visible, accompanied by the mention "CITTÀ DEL VATICANO". The anniversary year, "1506", and the year of issue, "2006", are also indicated. The signature "O. ROSSI" identifies the artist Orietta Rossi, responsible for the design of this face. The letter "R" is present, possibly a mint mark. The twelve stars of the European Union are arranged in a circle on the edge of the coin.

The reverse, common to all 2 euro coins, features a stylized map representing the fifteen states of the European Union at the time of minting. This map is superimposed on a dynamic background formed by the twelve stars of the European Union. The face value, "2 EURO", is clearly indicated. The signature "LL" identifies the engraver Luc Luycx.

The edge of the coin features a specific engraving: the inscription "2 *", repeated six times, with alternating orientation from bottom to top and from top to bottom. This is a distinctive feature of 2 euro coins, contributing to their recognition and the prevention of counterfeiting.