Death warms up market for euros in Vatican and Monaco

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Independent
By John Lichfield in Paris
11 April 2005


The value of the euro has hugely inflated since the leaders of the two smallest countries in the world died.

The exchange rate of the vast bulk of euros in circulation is untouched. However, the value of the small quantities of euro coins minted by the Vatican and the Principality of Monaco threatens to go through the roof.

Both types of coins, and those minted by San Marino, have been favourites among collectors since the euro was introduced in 2001. Since the deaths of Pope John Paul II and Prince Rainier, their prices have exploded.

A €2 Vatican coin is fetching €160 on the European coin-collecting market. A 2004 Vatican set of all eight euro coins is going for over €500. A Monaco €1 piece can now command up to €60.

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