The initial series of Vatican euro coins featured an effigy of Pope John Paul II.
[1] Following the death of Pope John Paul II in April 2005, Vatican City issued special coins during the period of Sede vacante depicting the emblem of the Apostolic Chamber (i.e. two crossed keys beneath an umbraculum, or umbrella) and the coat of arms of the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, at the time Cardinal Eduardo Martínez Somalo.
The coins carry an inscription "Città del Vaticano" and the twelve stars of Europe.
[3] A series of Vatican euro coins featuring effigies of Pope Francis was released in March 2014.
One section of this recommendation stipulates that: This change means that there will be no more "Sede Vacante" series of the regular Vatican euro coins, although the issue of commemorative "Sede Vacante" series (usually gold and silver coins), having legal tender in Vatican City only, remains possible.