2014 Canadian Coins Commemorate Pope John Paul II

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Two new Royal Canadian Mint coins commemorate the life achievements and canonization of Pope John Paul II, one of the most influential people of the twentieth century.

John Paul II Commemorative Coins in Gold and Silver
Royal Canadian Mint images of its Pope John Paul II Commemorative Coins

2014 Pope John Paul II commemorative coins in gold and silver share reverse designs honoring the 264th pope, and are now available in limited mintages.

"The year 2014 marks the canonization of Pope John Paul II," describes the Mint. "He was not only the first Roman Catholic pope in history to visit Canada, but a church leader whose pontificate featured many firsts around the world. The Royal Canadian Mint is proud to celebrate Pope John Paul’s three visits to Canada, along with his many accomplishments."

Born Karol Jozef Wojtyla in Wadowice, Poland, Pope John Paul II studied for the priesthood in a secret "underground" seminary in Nazi occupied Poland in the early 1940’s. During this time, he is credited with saving a number of Polish Jews. Wojtyla was ordained a priest on Nov. 1, 1946 and consecrated a bishop on Sept. 28, 1958, the youngest bishop in Polish history at age 38. Less than ten years later he became a cardinal. Wojtyla was elected pope on Oct. 16, 1978, at age 58. During his pontificacy, Pope John Paul II traveled to 129 countries.

Pope Benedict XVI announced the beginning of the canonization process shortly after Pope John Paul II’s death on April 2, 2005. Pope Francis confirmed his approval on July 4, 2013 with the canonization ceremony scheduled for April 27, 2014.

Pope John Paul II 2014 Canadian $25 Gold Coin
$25 Canadian gold coin depicting the pontiff

These new coins depict the late pope during Mass. Artist reference for the design is credited to Trevor Tennant. Inscriptions on the commemorative coins include JOHN PAUL II, JEAN-PAUL II and CANADA.

Pope John Paul II 2014 Canadian $10 Silver Coin
$10 Canadian silver coin depicting the pontiff

Each is struck as legal tender of Canada with Susanna Blunt’s portrait of Queen Elizabeth II showcased on the obverse. Inscriptions surrounding the Queen’s portrait include ELIZABETH II, 2014, D G REGINA and the legal tender face value of 25 DOLLARS for the gold coin and 10 DOLLARS for the silver coin.

Additional specifications of each release is shown in the chart below:

Specification of Commemorative Coins

  Gold Coin Silver Coin
Mintage 1,500 8,500
Composition 99.99% pure gold 99.99% pure silver
Finish proof proof
Weight (g) 7.8 23.17
Diameter (mm) 20 36.07
Edge serrated serrated
Certificate serialized serialized
Face Value (CAD) $25 $10
Obverse Design Susanna Blunt Susanna Blunt
Reverse Design Trevor Tennant Trevor Tennant

 

As shown in the chart above, mintage for the two coins is very limited. As of today, the Royal Canadian Mint indicates 74% of the gold coins have been sold.

2014 Pope John Paul II commemorative coins may be ordered directly from the Royal Canadian Mint at mint.ca. The gold coin is listed for CAD $649.95, or US $592.10, with the silver coin offered for CAD $69.95, or US $63.72.

An affiliate link to the Mint’s product page for the coins is right hereicon

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Cathy mckintosh

Can anyone tell me where i can get coin of pope John 2nd in the uk.

NJMANGA

Just go to the Canadian royal mint web site they do international orders
http://www.mint.ca/store/template/home.jsp
But fair warning I ordered mine on April 1st and I live in united states and I still haven’t received it

Tomas