1938 Vatican 10 Centesimi PCGS XF45

Vatican City 1938 10 Centesimi coin. Obverse: Coat of arms of Pope Pius XI surmounted by tiara, crossed keys behind; Reverse: St. Peter facing right. Graded PCGS XF 45.

The History of Vatican City's 1938 Coins

For a number of years--including 1938--the Vatican was a year behind in issuing their coins. When Pius XI died on February 10, 1939, only the dies for the 1938 5 Centesimi, 10 Centesimi and 100 Lire coins were ready. One example of each was struck for the King of Italy's collection and the Vatican moved ahead to the coins of 1939 (Sede Vacante and Pius XII). It appears, however, a very small number of 10 Centesimi coins dated 1938 made their way into circulation.

Officially, the coin is "unissued." It does not appear in the Mint of Rome's records, did not count towards the limit established in the monetary treaty between the Vatican and Italy, and the mintage of the 10 Centesimi coin is unknown. Italian catalogs call it Rarity 4, one short of the top of the scale--Rarity 5--which is associated with "unique." This is the only obtainable denomination for Anno XVII of Pius XI, with the 5 Cent and 100 Lire having a mintage of exactly one, locked away.

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