Obverse: The centre of the coin features the coat of arms of Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church. Above it is the emblem of the Apostolic Camera – crossed keys surmounted by an umbraculum, symbolising the temporary administration of the Holy See during the Sede Vacante period. A dove symbolising the Holy Spirit appears at the top. The inscriptions CITTÀ DEL VATICANO and SEDE VACANTE surround the composition, while the year is shown below in Roman numerals as MMXXV. The R mint mark of the Rome Mint appears on the left. The outer ring features the 12 stars of the European Union.
Reverse: The reverse features the standard design common to all €2 coins: a geographical map of Western Europe positioned on the right side of the coin and extending across both the inner and outer parts. The inscription 2 EURO appears above the map, while the numeral 2 is placed against the background of the Atlantic Ocean. The outer ring contains 12 stars positioned on either side of the map, with vertical lines visually connecting the upper and lower stars.
About the coin: This 2025 Vatican commemorative €2 coin is dedicated to the Sede Vacante period, which began on 21 April 2025 following the death of Pope Francis and ended with the election of his successor. The term Sede Vacante refers to the period when the papal seat is vacant. During this time, the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church performs special administrative duties, which is why the coat of arms of Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell is featured on the coin. The umbraculum and crossed keys are traditional symbols of Sede Vacante, while the dove symbolises the guidance of the Holy Spirit during the election of a new pope. The coin was designed by Orietta Rossi. The planned mintage is 76,000 coins.
