Vatican 2026 BU coin set: the first euro series of Pope Leo XIV

On 15 May 2026, the Vatican Philatelic and Numismatic Office released its first euro coin set bearing the effigy of Leo XIV. Eight coins, from 1 cent to 2 euro, in brilliant uncirculated quality, in an ivory and blue case with the new Pope's coat of arms. Here is what it contains, what changes compared with previous series, and how to choose between the two versions issued this year. The set is available on the product page of the Vatican 2026 BU coin set, Leo XIV, 8 coins.

A first for the pontificate of Leo XIV

Every change of pope opens a new coin series at the Vatican. The euro coins bearing the effigy of Francis give way, with the 2026 date, to those of Leo XIV. The 2026 BU set is therefore the first circulation series of the pontificate, the one that collectors of Vatican coins place at the start of a new page in their albums.

The design is by Daniela Longo, the Italian artist who had already designed the coins of Benedict XVI and Francis. She chose a renewed composition: the Pope's portrait appears on the higher denominations, the papal coat of arms on the smaller ones. The set was struck by the IPZS, the Italian state mint that produces the Vatican's euro coins.

What the 8-coin set contains

• 8 circulation coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cent, 1 euro and 2 euro;
• total face value: 3.88 €;
• brilliant uncirculated (BU) quality, which the Vatican mint calls "Fleur de Coin" or "Fior di Conio";
• mintage: 43,774 sets;
• issue date: 15 May 2026;
• ivory case with the coat of arms in relief, chalk-effect finish, inscriptions in deep blue.

The engraving was shared between six IPZS engravers: Emanuele Ferretti (2 euro and 2 cent), Marta Bonifacio (1 euro), Antonio Vecchio (50 cent and 1 cent), Silvia Petrassi (20 cent), Annalisa Masini (10 cent) and Valerio de Seta (5 cent).

The 2 euro Vatican 2026: the new coin of Leo XIV

It is the most sought-after coin in the set. The 2 euro Vatican 2026 is not a commemorative coin: it is the new circulation coin bearing the effigy of Leo XIV, and it is not sold individually. To obtain it in BU quality, you have to buy the set.

Its design takes up the Pope's coat of arms: the lily, a symbol of purity and Marian devotion, and the flaming heart pierced by an arrow above an open book. Inspired by Augustinian spirituality, this ensemble evokes the transforming power of the Word of God. The Vatican's 2 euro commemorative coins, for their part, remain separate issues sold individually.

For a comparison with the previous year, the 2 euro Vatican 2025 BU is the last circulation coin struck under Francis.

Brilliant uncirculated or Fleur de Coin: the same thing here

For this set, the two names refer to one and the same finish: new coins, never circulated, from the first strikings, presented in their original packaging. "Fior di Conio" is simply the term used by the Vatican mint. It has nothing to do with proof quality, with its mirror fields, which is the subject of separate sets.

8-coin set or 9-coin set?

The Vatican has issued two versions of the 2026 BU set.

• The 8-coin set: the complete circulation series, 43,774 sets.
• The 9-coin set: the same 8 coins plus the bimetallic 5 euro coin dedicated to the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi, with a mintage of only 6,226.

The choice depends on your collection. To follow the annual series of Vatican BU sets, the 8-coin set is enough and matches the Vatican 2025 BU set. For the 5 euro coin, the 9-coin set is the only option in a BU set.

A case that announces the visual identity of the pontificate

The ivory cover bears the coat of arms in relief, with a chalk-effect finish. A deep blue highlights the inscriptions and graphic elements, echoing the colours of the Pope's shield. This presentation is set to continue in the packaging of the Vatican's forthcoming numismatic issues: the 2026 set therefore sets the style for the years to come.

Where to find the Vatican 2026 BU coin set

Le Comptoir de l'Euro offers the Vatican 2026 BU coin set, Leo XIV, 8 coins in its original case. The other years are grouped in the category of Vatican brilliant uncirculated coin sets, and all Vatican euro coins and sets (commemoratives, proof, silver) on the country page.