Rubbing your faces in it.

The Vatican issues a new silver commemorative coin.

Neat. Reminds me of something.

Something synod-y.

 

Whatever you think it is, you're wrong. 

Unless you think it's hunky-dory awesome.

I wonder what kind of developing world mine the silver was dug from. 

Or what kind of conditions said silver was smelted in.

Actually, I don't wonder much at all.

Catholic social teaching is a topical cream--for external use only. 

And note that commemoratives are not for ordinary slobs to acquire from their local coin stores:

The Philatelic and Numismatic Office of the Vatican, or UFN, issues coins every year to its own exclusive set of clients. It does not sell through its website but only through a curated list of larger coin dealers. At the beginning of every year the UFN publishes their schedule of coins and stamps that it will release that year. This includes a mint set of uncirculated coins with obverses depicting the current pope. The reverses of these coins feature a common euro design of a map of the European Union along with the coin’s denomination. 

In addition, the Vatican issues proof sets of the same coins with each coin in its own capsule inside a case that also contains a large silver medal. Both the mint and the proof sets are issued in the spring, but the UFN releases about 5 times as many mint sets as proof sets. 

The UFN also produces 2-euro commemorative sets in the fall of every year. The obverse of these coins depicts an event that reflects the theme for that year. The Vatican also offers for sale small numbers of silver and gold commemorative coins every year. These are themed coins, and demand tends to vary based on the theme or design.

The majority of coins that the Vatican produces are issued in mint or proof sets, but it has also released some Vatican coins into general circulation. 

Prices for Vatican coins vary. American collectors must pay a premium for Vatican coins because it’s difficult to become a client coin dealer for the Vatican. Nevertheless, the coins, because of their low mintage, historical and religious significance, and attractiveness, remain popular. There tends to be significant demand for first year issues like the 2002 euro Vatican sets. The proof set that year is worth around $1500 today. Coins with John Paul II are also very well received.