Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Sts. Peter and Paul
June 29, 2017 will be the 1950th anniversary of the martyrdom of the holy apostles Peter and Paul. For the occasion the Philatelic and Numismatic Office of Vatican City State has just announced the release of a commemorative two-euro coin.
Realized by sculptress Gabrielle Titotto and engraver Claudia Momoni, the coin shows the profile of the two saints and the two attributes used to characterize them: the keys and a sword.
The keys are an explicit reminder of when Christ gave St. Peter the keys “of the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 16:16), and the sword symbolizes St. Paul who speaks of the “sword of the Spirit”, that is to say “the Word of God” (Ephesians 6:17).
The apostles Peter and Paul were martyred in Rome in the year 67. Peter was crucified upside down in the circus of Nero, where the Vatican is presently located. Paul, a Roman citizen, perished by the sword, and his head bounced three times, causing a source to spring up at what is known today as “The Three Fountains”.
The Church of Rome – and the universal Church – was founded on the faith of these two saints, who have been venerated as her patrons ever since their martyrdom.
Only 80,000 of the two versions of these coins will be minted.
Sources: zenith/bureau philalétique et numismatique du Saint-Siège – FSSPX.News - 05/10/17
