Pope John Paul II Honored on U.S. Coin for 25th Anniversary of the Pontificate

Washington, D.C. October 24 2003-– The Morgan Mint announced today the immediate release of two new limited edition commemoratives honoring the 25th anniversary of His Holiness John Paul II's election to the Papal Seat in 1978.

This is the first time in history that the image of the Pope – or any religious leader – has ever been placed on a U.S. coin, and these unique commemoratives will be issued in editions of just 100,000 coins each. Given the Pope's increasing frailty, this may also be the last commemorative issue honoring the Holy Father in his lifetime.

"The Holy Father is the most widely traveled pope in history, and the longest reigning pope since the late 19th century," Abe Wiesel, a spokesman for the Morgan Mint explained. "In fact, after the first pope, St. Peter himself, only one pontiff in history has served longer than Pope John Paul II. It is truly fitting that after more than 100 pilgrimages abroad and 25 years of service as pope, this historic occasion has been commemorated by these stunning full-color images on brilliant, uncirculated coins struck by the U.S. Mint." These two new commemorative coins will no doubt be of interest to coin and memorabilia collectors, history buffs, and anyone who admires the moral leadership of His Holiness, both Catholic and non-Catholic alike.

Each colorized coin is individually crafted for the 25th anniversary and the official release was timed to coincide with the celebratory Mass in the Vatican plaza on October 16, 2003 - the precise anniversary date.

The Half Dollar Pope John Paul II Commemorative:
The Half Dollar Pope John Paul II 25th Anniversary features a formal portrait of His Holiness wearing his miter and robe, holding his staff in his left hand, with his right hand raised in blessing, encircled with the legend: "Pope John Paul II - 25th Anniversary of Pontificate."

It is especially fitting that the full color image of the pope is permanently fused to the surface of a brilliant, uncirculated Half Dollar struck by the U.S. Mint, because this increasingly scarce coin, which has not been released into general circulation since 2002, bears on its obverse the portrait of John F. Kennedy, the only Catholic U.S. President. Each Pope John Paul II Commemorative Half Dollar is encased in an airtight protective crystalline capsule, in a jeweler's gift box suitable for presentation or display.

The One Dollar Pope John Paul II Commemorative:
The One Dollar Pope John Paul II 25th Anniversary depicts a reverent portrait of His Holiness in profile, his hands clutching his crucifix-headed staff, his head bowed in prayer, with the legend: "Pope John Paul II • 25th Anniversary of Pontificate." The full color image of the Holy Father is permanently fused to the surface of a brilliant, uncirculated Silver Eagle Dollar struck by the U.S. Mint. The Silver Eagle, issued especially for collectors by a special act of Congress, is the largest and heaviest legal tender coin issued by the U.S. Mint, and contains one troy ounce of Fine Silver.

Like its Half Dollar counterpart, each Pope John Paul II Commemorative Silver Eagle coin is placed in a crystal clear protective crystalline capsule, and presented in an elegant jeweler's gift box for safe storage or display.

"Few commemorative issues ever have the potential impact of these two Pope Paul II 25th Anniversary coins," Wiesel observed. Because of their timeliness, these exclusive limited edition collectibles are certain to generate immediate consumer interest. Wiesel added, "When you take into account their scarcity, plus their true historic importance and compelling emotional impact, these are two coins that just about everybody is going to want to own." The coins may become even more desirable and highly sought-after as this historic papacy draws nearer to an end.

To assure equal opportunity to all who obtain them, the Morgan Mint has announced strict security procedures to guarantee that coins will be made available on a first come first served basis, until the authorized edition limits are reached.

Coins are available to the public at a price of $29.50 for the colorized Silver Eagle and $14.50 for the colorized JFK Half Dollar. Orders are limited to 3 coins per household. Coins may be ordered either online at www.morganmint.com or by calling 1-800-414-1198.




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