S22-VAT-0361 Vatican City 5 lire VF 1953 KM51 Pope Pius XII

A charming aluminium 5 Lire of Vatican City struck under Pope Pius XII. The small aluminium denominations of the early 1950s, with their elegant Mistruzzi allegorical reverses, remain among the most beloved papal issues.

Obverse: Bust of Pope Pius XII facing right, with the regnal year in the legend (e.g. A·XIII for 1951). Legend PIVS · XII · PONT · MAX ·.

Reverse: Figure of Justice standing facing with sword and scales. Date at left, value L·5 at right.

Specifications

• Country: Vatican City
• Denomination: 5 Lire
• Year: 1953
• Composition: Aluminium
• Weight: 2.5 g
• Diameter: 26.7 mm
• Edge: Plain
• Mint: Rome (R) (mintage: 250,000)
• Ruler / Issuer: Pope Pius XII (1939–1958)
• Designer: Aurelio Mistruzzi

Catalogue References

• KM#: 51.1
• Schön#: 48
• Numista N#: 3899

Grade

VF — Very Fine — light wear on high points only. Most details sharp.

Source: Numista N#3899