The official box/folder (case) of the official Vatican Euro coin set for 2008, and Certificate of Authenticity (COA) Historical details: Year: 2008 (also shown in Roman numerals: MMVIII) Pope: Benedict XVI, who held the papacy 2005–2013 — the coins inside the set bear his bust Set composition: The standard annual "Divisionale" Vatican set includes the 8 regular circulation coins (1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 cents + €1 + €2), with a total face value of €3.88 Minting: Vatican coins are struck at the IPZS (Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato) in Rome, not at a mint of its own, since Vatican City doesn't have one 2008 mintage: ~85,000 pieces — one of the more limited production runs among European euro sets, which keeps it fairly sought-after among collectors Quality: Usually issued in BU (Brilliant Uncirculated) quality, though Proof versions also exist (Polished Plate/PP) with a lower mintage (e.g. around 16,000 pieces for the proof edition that includes the medal) Coat of arms on the cover: The gold coat of arms shown in the photo is the papal coat of arms of Benedict XVI — recognizable by the distinctive mitre (instead of the tiara, an innovation he introduced) above the shield bearing the symbols (the scallop shell, the Moor's head, the bear, etc.) History & technical details All the coins belong to the 3rd series of Vatican euro coins, issued from April 2006 to December 2013, featuring Pope Benedict XVI. Details per side: Each coin bears the reigning pope's portrait on the national side, while the common side is identical across the entire eurozone Dimensions, weight, and metals follow the same specifications as any other eurozone coin Important detail specifically for 2008: it was the first year the new common side design came into force, showing the eurozone countries united together, replacing the old map with borders used until 2007 — so the €1 and €2 coins in this set carry the "new generation" design on their common side Struck at the IPZS (Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato) in Rome, with mint mark "R," since Vatican City has no mint of its own Designer: Daniela Longo, with engraving by Ettore Lorenzo Frapiccini (initials ELF) for most coins in the series Rarity The 2008 BU set had a mintage of around 85,000 pieces — a small number compared to other countries, which keeps it relatively sought-after in the collector market.