2013 Vatican 5 Euro Beginning of Pontificate

2013 Vatican 5 Euro silver proof for the beginning of the pontificate of Pope Francis, depicting Jesus giving the keys to St. Peter. Mintage of only 7,000, includes original plush case and certificate. The first silver coin of Pope Francis.

On 13 March 2013 at 19:06 white smoke rose from the chimney placed atop the Sistine Chapel where the Cardinal electors were meeting. Cardinal Tauran announced in Latin "Habemus Papam" and a short while later the 266th Successor of Peter, Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina, appeared at the Loggia of the Blessings. The new Bishop of Rome, who chose the name Francis, addressed his first words to the world: "Brothers and sisters, good evening! You know that it was the duty of the Conclave to give Rome a Bishop. It seems that my brother Cardinals have gone to the ends of the earth to get one... but here we are... I thank you for your welcome. The diocesan community of Rome now has its Bishop. Thank you!"