Obverse: The obverse features a lion. Around the lion, the inscription “REPUBLIQUE DEMOCRATIQUE DU CONGO” (Democratic Republic of the Congo) and the years “1978–2003” are engraved in a semicircle. At the bottom, the denomination “20 FRANCS.”
Reverse: The reverse depicts a portrait of Pope John Paul II. Around the portrait, the inscription “25 éme Anniversaire de la Nomination” (25th Anniversary of the Nomination) is engraved in a semicircle. At the bottom, the inscription “PAPE JEAN PAUL II” and the year of issue “2003.”
About the coin: This gold coin was issued to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s nomination.
