| 1 cèntim | |
|---|---|
| |
| Obverse (2002–2004) | |
| General information | |
| Country | |
| Value |
0.01 D.; €0.0075 (informal) |
| Years |
1999–2013 |
| Measurements and composition | |
| Mass |
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| Diameter |
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| Thickness |
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| Composition |
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| Appearance | |
| Shape |
round |
| Alignment |
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| Edge |
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| Obverse |
See text |
| Reverse |
See text |
| v · d · e | |
The 1 cèntim coin is a former commemorative piece of the Principality of Andorra. It was issued in 15 types by the Servei d'Emissions de la Vegueria Episcopal from 1999 to 2013 and struck under commission at three foreign mints. Although the pieces have a "face value" of 0.01 diner, which is informally equivalent to €0.0075, they are not considered legal tender in their country of origin. They are, however, official commemorative issues authorized by the Bishop of Urgell, one of the Co-Princes of Andorra (the other being the President of France). Because the coins are not legal tender, they do not circulate.
The first coin of the denomination, a piece commemorating the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), was introduced in 1999, during the reign of Bishop Joan Martí i Alanis (1928–2009; r. 1971–2003) and French President Jacques Chirac (1932–; r. 1995–2007). Three more piece were introduced under Martí i Alanis and Chirac in 2002, featuring depictions of Charlemagne (742/747/748–814), a Pyrenean chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica), and the Lamb of God.
The first three 1 céntim coins of Bishop Joan Enric Vives Sicília (1949–; r. 2003–) and Chirac were released in 2003, featuring subjects such as a mural in the Church of Sant Martí de la Cortinada, the Pont de la Margineda, and the Church of Sant Miquel d'Engolasters. It was followed in 2004 by an additional three pieces, two commemorating the Church of Santa Coloma d'Andorra and the other celebrating the Church of Sant Martí de la Cortinada. The year 2005 saw the issuance of two coins, one celebrating Pope John Paul II (1920–2005; r. 1978–2005), who had just died that year, and the other featuring a poet's daffodil (Narcissus poeticus). The latter of the two 2005 coins was manufactured annually until 2008. In 2006, a 1 céntim piece of the newly elected Pope Benedict XVI (1927–; r. 2005–2013) was introduced. It was followed in 2007 by a coin celebrating former Pope Leo XIII (1810–1903; r. 1878–1903).
No 1 céntim coins were struck during the reign of Vives Sicília and French President Nicolas Sarkozy (1955–; r. 2007–2012). The next coin of the denomination was not released until 2013, into the reign of Vives Sicília and French President François Hollande (1954–; r. 2012–2017). It commemorates the local western capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus).
Coins[]
FAO coin (1999)[]
1999 FAO coin
Since its inception in 1945, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN), has provided assistance to various nations around the world. Although Andorra did not officially join the FAO until 2007, the intergovernmental organization established a presence in Andorra a few decades before then. In celebration of the FAO, the Servei d'Emissions de la Vegueria Episcopal authorized the production of a commemorative 1 cèntim piece around 1999. It was struck under commission at the Kremnica Mint, the official mint of Slovakia.
The piece is composed of aluminum and measures 1.25 grams in mass, 22 millimeters in diameter, and 1.75 millimeters in thickness. It has medallic alignment and a plain edge, and like most coins, is round in shape. Both of the coin's rims are raised and undecorated.
The face value "1 CÈNTIM" is engraved on two lines in the center of the obverse, the numeral rendered in larger print than the following word. Displayed above the value is the heraldic crown of Andorra, a symbol of the monarchy, and featured to the sides are the branches of a circular wreath. All of the aforementioned elements are enclosed within a solid circular boundary. The Catalan legend "JOAN D.M. BISBE D'URGELL I PRINCEP D'ANDORRA", abbreviated for Joan divina miseratione Bisbe d'Urgell i Príncep d'Andorra, is inscribed outside the boundary, extending clockwise from the coin's lower left to lower right peripheries. This text, which translates to English as "Joan, by Divine Mercy, Bishop of Urgell and Prince of Andorra", is accompanied by the Gregorian date of minting, "1999", which is engraved in the opposite direction at the coin's lower periphery. The year is flanked by two small square points, separating it from the aforementioned legend.
A descending angel carrying a bundle of wheat is illustrated at the top center of the reverse. The abbreviation "FAO" is engraved horizontally below. Printed counterclockwise along the coin's lower rim is the Catalan inscription "ALIMENTS GARANTITS PEL SEGLE XXI", which translates to English as "food guaranteed by the 21st century".
The total mintage of the 1999 piece is currently unknown, but compared to most other Andorran coins, it is fairly common. It was only struck with a standard finish.
Charlemagne coin (2002)[]
2002 Charlemagne coin
Charlemagne, or Charles the Great, was a powerful European emperor during the early Middle Ages. The eldest son of Pepin the Short (714–768), he succeeded his father as King of the Franks in 768, and later adopted the title of King of the Lombards in 774 and Emperor of the Romans in 800. At its greatest extent, Charlemagne's dominion, known as the Carolingian Empire, spanned across much of western and central Europe, including what is now Andorra. He ruled as the empire's first monarch until his death in 814.
According to a traditional Andorran legend, Charlemagne granted a charter of independence to the Andorran people for helping his troops fight the Moors of the neighboring Emirate of Córdoba. For this reason, he is a well respected figure in Andorra, and appears frequently on the nation's coins. In 2002, a 1 céntim piece commemorating the former European monarch was released by the Servei d'Emissions de la Vegueria Episcopal. It, like the 1999 FAO coin, was struck at the Kremnica Mint in Slovakia.
The coin is composed of aluminum and measures 2.12 grams in mass, 27 millimeters in diameter, and 1.8 millimeters in thickness. It has medallic alignment and a plain edge, and is round in shape. Both of the piece's rims are raised and undecorated.
Featured in the middle of the obverse is the coat of arms of Andorra – which consists of a quartered escutcheon bearing the arms of the Bishop of Urgell and the former County of Foix – the two "traditional protectors" of Andorra – at the top and the arms of the former Crown of Aragon and Viscountcy of Béarn at the bottom. This escutcheon is surrounded in the Andorran arms by a decorative border bearing the Latin national motto "VIRTVS VNITA FORTIOR" (Virtus Unita Fortior; English: "United virtue is stronger") at the bottom. On the coin, the legend "PRINCIPAT D'ANDORRA", Catalan for "Principality of Andorra", is engraved clockwise along the rim above. Written in the opposite direction at the coin's lower periphery is the Gregorian date of minting, "2002".
A facing portrait of a crowned, bearded Charlemagne is illustrated in the center of the reverse. The Catalan name of the monarch, "Carlemany", is inscribed clockwise along the rim to the right, while the face value "1 CÈNTIM" is engraved counterclockwise in larger print at the periphery below.
The total mintage of the coin is currently unknown, but around 12,000 were sold in mint sets. Pieces of this type were only struck with a standard finish.
Pyrenean chamois coin (2002)[]
2002 chamois coin
The Pyrenean chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica) is a species of goat antelope native to three isolated mountain ranges in western and central Europe. One specific subspecies, Rupicapra pyrenaica pyrenaica, is particularly native to the Pyrenees, the mountain range in which Andorra is located. In commemoration of the chamois, the Servei d'Emissions de la Vegueria Episcopal authorized the production of a 1 cèntim piece featuring the animal in 2002. It was struck under commission at the Kremnica Mint in Slovakia.
The coin is composed of aluminum and measures 2.12 grams in mass, 27 millimeters in diameter, and 1.8 millimeters in thickness. It has medallic alignment and a plain edge, and is round in shape. The rims of both sides of the piece are raised and undecorated.
The coat of arms of Andorra appears in the center of the obverse, the state title "PRINCIPAT D'ANDORRA" inscribed clockwise along the rim above and the Gregorian date of minting, "2002", engraved in the opposite direction at the periphery below.
A facing depiction of a Pyrenean chamois is illustrated in the middle of the reverse. The Catalan word "Isard", which translates as "chamois", is written counterclockwise in small print at the coin's left periphery. Inscribed on two horizontal lines above the chamois' back is the face value "1 CÈNTIM", the word rendered in a slightly larger font than the preceding numeral.
The total mintage of the coin is currently unknown, but around 12,000 were sold in mint sets. Pieces of this type were only struck with a standard finish.
Agnus Dei coin (2002)[]
2002 Agnus Dei coin
"Lamb of God" is one of the several titles of Jesus that appear in the New Testament, the second portion of the Christian Bible. It is first uttered in the Gospel of John, when John the Baptist, upon seeing Jesus, claims him to be "the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world". During the Middle Ages, this metaphor of Jesus as a lamb eventually became the subject of various pieces of religious iconography, which are known as Agnus Dei.
In 2002, Andorra, a predominantly Roman Catholic nation, released a commemorative 1 cèntim piece featuring an Agnus Dei. It was issued under the authority of the Servei d'Emissions de la Vegueria Episcopal and struck under commission at the Kremnica Mint in Slovakia.
The piece is composed of aluminum and measures 2.12 grams in mass, 27 millimeters in diameter, and 1.8 millimeters in thickness. It has medallic alignment and a plain edge, and is round in shape. Both of the coin's rims are raised and undecorated.
The coat of arms of Andorra is engraved in the center of the obverse. Printed clockwise along the rim above is the Catalan state title "PRINCIPAT D'ANDORRA", and inscribed in the opposite direction at the periphery below is the Gregorian date of minting, "2002".
An Agnus Dei is featured in the middle of the reverse. Based on a mural from the Church of Santa Coloma d'Andorra, the depiction features a haloed lamb facing left and holding a cross-tipped staff under its right foreleg. Another cross, part of a second staff in the mural, is also displayed to the left of the Agnus Dei. Engraved to the upper right, extending clockwise along the coin's rim, is the caption "Agnus Dei". Printed below the Agnus Dei in a noticeably larger font is the face value, "1 CÈNTIM".
The total mintage of the coin is currently unknown, but around 12,000 were sold in mint sets. Pieces of this type were only struck with a standard finish.
Church of Sant Martí de la Cortinada coin (2003)[]
The Church of Sant Martí de la Cortinada is a Romanesque church located in the village of La Cortinada, Andorra. Established during the 11th or 12th centuries, the structure is currently registered as a heritage property in the Cultural Heritage of Andorra.
In 2003, a 1 cèntim piece commemorating the church was released by the Servei d'Emissions de la Vegueria Episcopal. It, like previous coins of the same denomination, was struck under commission at the Kremnica Mint in Slovakia.
The coin is composed of an aluminum-magnesium alloy and measures 2.12 grams in mass, 27 millimeters in diameter, and 1.8 millimeters in thickness. It has medallic alignment and a plain edge, and is round in shape. Both of the piece's rims are raised and undecorated.
The coat of arms of Andorra appears in the center of the obverse. Printed clockwise along the rim above is the Catalan state title "PRINCIPAT D'ANDORRA", and inscribed in the opposite direction at the periphery below is the Gregorian date of minting, "2003".
An illustration of a lion mural from the Church of Sant Martí de la Cortinada is depicted in the middle of the reverse. The Catalan caption "Fragment mural", which translates as "mural fragment", appears on two horizontal lines below, while the face value "1 CÈNTIM" is inscribed on two lines above the illustration. Written counterclockwise at the coin's lower periphery is the legend "Sant Martí de la Cortinada".
According to the Weltmünzkatalog, approximately 15,000 examples of the coin were produced. All of these pieces were included in official mint sets by the Servei d'Emissions de la Vegueria Episcopal.
Pont de la Margineda coin (2003)[]
The Pont de la Margineda is a Romanesque bridge spanning the Gran Valira, near the western Andorran village of La Margineda. It was constructed during the 14th to 15th centuries, and is currently registered as a heritage property in the Cultural Heritage of Andorra.
In commemoration of the structure, the Servei d'Emissions de la Vegueria Episcopal authorized the production of a 1 cèntim piece featuring the bridge in 2003. It was produced under commission at the Kremnica Mint in Slovakia.
The coin is composed of an aluminum-magnesium alloy and measures 2.12 grams in mass, 27 millimeters in diameter, and 1.8 millimeters in thickness. It has medallic alignment and a plain edge, and is round in shape. Both of the piece's rims are raised and undecorated.
The coat of arms of Andorra is engraved in the middle of the obverse. Inscribed clockwise along the rim above is the Catalan state title "PRINCIPAT D'ANDORRA", and written in the opposite direction at the periphery below is the Gregorian date of minting, "2003".
An illustration of the Pont de la Margineda is displayed in the center of the reverse, the caption "Pont de la Margineda" printed clockwise along the rim below. Engraved on a single horizontal line above the depiction of the bridge is the face value "1 CÈNTIM".
According to the Weltmünzkatalog, approximately 15,000 examples of the coin were produced. All of these pieces were included in official mint sets by the Servei d'Emissions de la Vegueria Episcopal.
Church of Sant Miquel d'Engolasters coin (2003)[]
The Church of Sant Miquel d'Engolasters is a Romanesque church located in the village of Engolasters in west central Andorra. Built between the 11th and 12th centuries, the church is currently a registered heritage property of the Cultural Heritage of Andorra.
In recognition of the medieval building, the Servei d'Emissions de la Vegueria Episcopal issued a commemorative 1 cèntim coin featuring the church in 2003. It was struck under commission at the Kremnica Mint in Slovakia.
The piece is composed of an aluminum-magnesium alloy and measures 2.12 grams in mass, 27 millimeters in diameter, and 1.8 millimeters in thickness. It has medallic alignment and a plain edge, and is round in shape. Both of the coin's rims are raised and undecorated.
The coat of arms of Andorra is displayed in the center of the obverse. Engraved clockwise along the rim above is the Catalan state title "PRINCIPAT D'ANDORRA", and inscribed in the opposite direction at the periphery below is the Gregorian date of minting, "2003".
An illustration of the Church of Sant Miquel d'Engolasters as viewed from the south appears in the middle of the coin's reverse. The caption "Sant Miquel d'Engolasters" is written clockwise along the left rim, and the face value "1 CÉNTIM" is printed on two horizontal lines between that caption and the depiction of the church.
According to the Weltmünzkatalog, approximately 15,000 examples of the coin were produced. All of these pieces were included in official mint sets by the Servei d'Emissions de la Vegueria Episcopal.
Church of Santa Coloma d'Andorra coin (2004)[]
The Church of Santa Coloma d'Andorra is a Romanesque church located in the western Andorran town of Santa Coloma d'Andorra. Its nave dates to the 8th or 9th century and its distinctive bell tower dates to the 12th century. As a historically significant structure, the church is currently a registered heritage property of the Cultural Heritage of Andorra.
In celebration of the church, in 2004 the Servei d'Emissions de la Vegueria Episcopal released a commemorative 1 cèntim piece featuring the medieval structure. It was manufactured under commission at the Kremnica Mint in Slovakia.
The coin is composed of an aluminum-magnesium alloy and measures 2.12 grams in mass, 27 millimeters in diameter, and 1.8 millimeters in thickness. It has medallic alignment and a plain edge, and is round in shape. The rims of both sides of the piece are raised and undecorated.
The coat of arms of Andorra is engraved in the center of the coin's reverse. Printed clockwise along the periphery above is the Catalan state title "PRINCIPAT D'ANDORRA". Inscribed in the opposite direction at the rim below is the Gregorian date of minting, "2004".
An illustration of the Church of Santa Coloma d'Andorra is featured in the middle of the reverse. The caption "Santa Coloma" is printed clockwise along the coin's right rim, and the face value "1 CÉNTIM" is written on two horizontal lines above the depiction of the church.
According to the Weltmünzkatalog, approximately 15,000 examples of the coin were produced. All of these pieces were included in official mint sets by the Servei d'Emissions de la Vegueria Episcopal.
Church of Sant Martí de la Cortinada coin (2004)[]
Like many medieval churches in Andorra, the Church of Sant Martí de la Cortinada contains decorative murals of various subjects, including animals and religious figures. Painted by the Master of La Cortinada in the late 12th century, these murals were greatly influenced by the works of other contemporary Catalan artists, such as the Masters of La Seu d'Urgell, Pedret, and Taüll. The artwork displayed in the Church of Sant Martí de la Cortinada is particularly well known in Andorra, and has appeared on several of the nation's coins.
In commemoration of the Church of Sant Martí de la Cortinada, a 1 cèntim piece featuring one of its murals was released by the Servei d'Emissions de la Vegueria Episcopal in 2004. It was manufactured under commission at the Kremnica Mint in Slovakia.
The coin is composed of an aluminum-magnesium alloy and measures 2.12 grams in mass, 27 millimeters in diameter, and 1.8 millimeters in thickness. It has medallic alignment and a plain edge, and is round in shape. The rims of both sides of the piece are raised and undecorated.
The coat of arms of Andorra is engraved in the center of the coin's reverse. Printed clockwise along the periphery above is the Catalan state title "PRINCIPAT D'ANDORRA". Inscribed in the opposite direction at the rim below is the Gregorian date of minting, "2004".
A mural fragment from the apse of Church of Sant Martí de la Cortinada is illustrated in the middle of the reverse. This fragment shows Guillem Guifré (–1075), the Bishop of Urgell from 1040 to 1075, holding a chalice and knife with a bird behind his head. Printed clockwise from the coin's left to lower right peripheries is the Catalan legend "Fragment mural - Sant Martí de la Cortinada", which translates to English as "mural fragment of the Sant Martí de la Cortinada". The face value "1 CÉNTIM" also appears on the reverse, printed on two horizontal lines to the left of the mural.
According to the Weltmünzkatalog, approximately 15,000 examples of the coin were produced. All of these pieces were included in official mint sets by the Servei d'Emissions de la Vegueria Episcopal.
Santa Coloma altar coin (2004)[]
Although the Church of Santa Coloma d'Andorra was built in the 8th or 9th century, some of its architectural and decorative elements were not introduced until much later. Among these is its current altarpiece, which was constructed during the Late Baroque period in the 18th century. It is dedicated to Columba of Sens (257–273), the patron saint of the church.
In 2004, in celebration of the Church of Santa Coloma d'Andorra, the Servei d'Emissions de la Vegueria Episcopal introduced a 1 cèntim coin featuring a panel from the building's altarpiece. It was struck under commission at the Kremnica Mint in Slovakia.
The piece is composed of an aluminum-magnesium alloy and measures 2.12 grams in mass, 27 millimeters in diameter, and 1.8 millimeters in thickness. It has medallic alignment and a plain edge, and is round in shape. Both of the piece's rims are raised and undecorated.
The coat of arms of Andorra appears in the center of the obverse, the Catalan legend "PRINCIPAT D'ANDORRA" printed clockwise along the rim above and the Gregorian date of minting inscribed in the opposite direction at the periphery below.
A panel from the altarpiece of the Church of Santa Coloma d'Andorra is illustrated in the middle of the coin's reverse. Appearing at the lower right of the actual altarpiece, the panel in question features a bearded, haloed saint standing and holding a Latin cross above his head. Inscribed clockwise along the rim to the left is the Catalan caption "Retaule barroc", which translates as "Baroque altarpiece". The legend "Santa Coloma" is engraved in the same direction at the coin's right periphery, and the face value "1 CÉNTIM" is printed on a single horizontal line below the image of the panel.
According to the Weltmünzkatalog, approximately 15,000 examples of the coin were produced. All of these pieces were distributed in official mint sets by the Servei d'Emissions de la Vegueria Episcopal.
Pope John Paul II coin (2005)[]
Pope John Paul II, born Karol Józef Wojtyła, served as Pope and leader of the Catholic Church from 1978 to his death in 2005. Before then, he was ordained as a priest in 1946, and eventually appointed as Auxiliary Bishop of Kraków and Titular Bishop of Ombi in 1958. Wojtyła later became the 76th Archbishop of Kraków in 1964, and was promoted to the Sacred College of Cardinals in 1967.
In 2005, in remembrance of John Paul II, the Servei d'Emissions de la Vegueria Episcopal released a series of eight coins celebrating the deceased Pope. Consisting of denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, and 50 cèntims and 1 and 2 diners, this series was struck at the Tower Mint, a private mint in the United Kingdom. Five 10 diner coins were also manufactured in 2005, but they belong to a separate series.
The 1 cèntim piece of the series is composed of an aluminum-bronze alloy and measures 2.8 grams in mass, 18 millimeters in diameter, and 1.6 millimeters in thickness. It has medallic alignment and a reeded edge, and is round in shape. The rims of both sides of the coin are raised and undecorated.
The coat of arms of Andorra is illustrated inside a solid circular boundary in the center of the obverse. Interrupting the lower part of this border is the face value "1 ct.", abbreviated for 1 cèntim, which is inscribed horizontally on a single line. The Catalan state title "PRINCIPAT D'ANDORRA" is engraved clockwise along the upper rim, while the Gregorian date of minting, "2005", is written in the opposite direction at the coin's lower periphery.
A ¼ right-facing portrait of Karol Wojtyła as a priest is featured in the middle of the reverse. Printed clockwise along the rim above is his name, which is rendered as "KAROL WOJTYLA" without the stroke in the "L" in his surname. The word "SACERDOT", Catalan for "priest", is inscribed in the opposite direction at the coin's lower periphery, flanked to the left by the date "1946" and to the right by the year "1958". These dates, which are separated from the aforementioned word by small circular points, respectively represent the beginning and end dates of Wojtyła's priesthood.
A maximum of 15,000 examples of the coin were produced. They were sold exclusively in mint sets by the Servei d'Emissions de la Vegueria Episcopal.
Poet's daffodil coin (2005–2008)[]
The poet's daffodil (Narcissus poeticus), known as the grandalla in Catalan, is a species of daffodil native to much of central and southern Europe, including Andorra and its neighbors. The oil of the poet's daffodil is considered extremely fragrant, making it one of the most popular ingredients in modern perfumes. For this reason, within the past few centuries, it has been naturalized and cultivated in areas outside of its original distribution.
In 2005, the Servei d'Emissions de la Vegueria Episcopal released a coin series highlighting Andorra's fauna and flora, history, and heritage. This series, which consisted of pieces denominated at 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, and 50 cèntims and 1 and 2 diners, was then struck annually at the Tower Mint in London until 2008. The 1 cèntim piece of the series focuses on the poet's daffodil.
The 1 cèntim coin is composed of an aluminum-bronze alloy and measures 2.8 grams in mass, 18 millimeters in diameter, and 1.6 millimeters in thickness. It has medallic alignment and a reeded edge, and is round in shape. Both of the piece's rims are raised and undecorated.
The coat of arms of Andorra is displayed inside a solid circular boundary in the middle of the obverse. This boundary is interrupted by the face value "1 ct.", which is inscribed on a single horizontal line below the arms. Inscribed clockwise along the coin's upper periphery is the Catalan state title "PRINCIPAT D'ANDORRA", and written in the opposite direction at the lower rim is the Gregorian date of minting.
The flowers of a poet's daffodil are illustrated in the center of the reverse. They are accompanied by the caption "GRANDALLA", which is curved clockwise along the coin's upper right periphery.
According to the Standard Catalog of World Coins, a maximum of 40,000 examples of the coin were manufactured over four consecutive years of production. The Weltmünzkatalog reports a slightly smaller mintage of 35,000 pieces. All of the coins were distributed in official mint sets by the Servei d'Emissions de la Vegueria Episcopal.
| Mintages | |
|---|---|
| Year | Mintage |
| 2005 | 15,000 |
| 2006 | 10,000 |
| 2007 | 10,000 (SCWC) 5,000 (Schön) |
| 2008 | 5,000 |
Pope Benedict XVI coin (2006)[]
Pope Benedict XVI, born Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger, served as Pope and leader of the Catholic Church from 2005 until his resignation in 2013. Before then, he was ordained as a priest in 1951, and eventually elevated to Archbishop of Munich and Freising in early 1977. Ratzinger was later promoted to the College of Cardinals in mid-1977, and eventually served as its dean (president) from 2002 to 2005.
To celebrate the election of Pope Benedict XVI, the Servei d'Emissions de la Vegueria Episcopal released an eight piece commemorative coin series in 2006. The coins, denominated at 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, and 50 cèntims and 1 and 2 diners, were manufactured at the Tower Mint in London. A 10 diner piece commemorating the new pope was also issued in 2005, but it does not belong to this series.
The 1 cèntim coin is composed of an aluminum-bronze alloy and measures 2.8 grams in mass, 18 millimeters in diameter, and 1.6 millimeters in thickness. It has medallic alignment and a reeded edge, and is round in shape. Both of the piece's rims are raised and undecorated.
The coat of arms of Andorra is illustrated inside a solid circular boundary in the center of the obverse. Interrupting the lower portion of this boundary is the abbreviated face value "1 ct.", which is inscribed on a single horizontal line below the arms. The Catalan state title "PRINCIPAT D'ANDORRA" is written clockwise along the coin's upper periphery, while the Gregorian date of minting, "2006", is inscribed in the opposite direction at the lower rim.
A facing portrait of Joseph Ratzinger as a priest appears in the middle of the reverse, the caption "JOSEPH RATZINGER" inscribed clockwise at the rim above. Written in the opposite direction at the periphery below is the legend "SACERDOT 29.6.1951", which indicates Ratzinger became a Catholic priest on June 29, 1951.
A maximum of 15,000 examples of the coin were produced. They were sold exclusively in mint sets by the Servei d'Emissions de la Vegueria Episcopal.
Pope Leo XIII coin (2007)[]
Pope Leo XIII, born Vincenzo Gioacchino Pecci, was the first Pope of the 20th century, reigning from 1878 to his death in 1903. He was ordained as a Catholic priest in 1843, and appointed Titular Archbishop of Tamiathis and Apostolic Nuncio to Belgium later the same year. Pecci then became Archbishop of Perugia in 1846, and was promoted to the Sacred College of Cardinals in 1853.
In 2007, the Servei d'Emissions de la Vegueria Episcopal of Andorra released a commemorative coin series celebrating the popes of the 20th century (excluding Pope John Paul II). Denominated at 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, and 50 cèntims and 1 and 2 diners, all eight pieces of the series were manufactured at the Tower Mint in London. Each features a different pope, with Leo XIII appearing on the 1 cèntim coin.
The 1 cèntim piece is composed of an aluminum-bronze alloy and measures 2.8 grams in mass, 18 millimeters in diameter, and 1.6 millimeters in thickness. It has medallic alignment and a reeded edge, and is round in shape. Both of the coin's rims are raised and undecorated.
The coat of arms of Andorra is engraved inside a solid circular boundary in the middle of the obverse. This boundary is interrupted by the face value "1 ct.", which is printed on a single horizontal line below the arms. Inscribed clockwise along the coin's upper periphery is the Catalan state title "PRINCIPAT D'ANDORRA", and written in the opposite direction at the lower rim is the Gregorian date of minting, "2007".
A facing portrait of Pope Leo XIII is illustrated in the center of the reverse, the caption "LLEÓ XIII" inscribed clockwise along the coin's left rim. Engraved in the same direction at the coin's right periphery is the inscription "1878-1903", which represents the period of Leo XIII's reign.
A maximum of 5,000 examples of the coin were produced. They were distributed exclusively in mint sets by the Servei d'Emissions de la Vegueria Episcopal.
Western capercaillie coin (2013)[]
The western capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus), also known as the Eurasian capercaillie or gall fer in Catalan, is a species of grouse native to portions of Europe and northern Asia. One particular subspecies, Tetrao urogallus aquitanicus, is particularly native to the Pyrenees, the mountain range in which Andorra is located. It is geographically isolated from the other subspecies of the western capercaillie.
In 2013, the Servei d'Emissions de la Vegueria Episcopal released the "Last National Coin Set" of Andorra. The pieces included in this set, denominated at 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, and 50 cèntims and 1 diner, were among the last coins to be issued in Andorra before the country adopted the euro in 2014. They were manufactured under commission at the Mayer Mint, a private mint in Karlsfeld, Germany. The 1 cèntim piece of the series features the western capercaillie.
The coin is composed of a brass alloy and measures 4.5 grams in mass, 21 millimeters in diameter, and 1.85 millimeters in thickness. It has coin alignment and a plain edge, and is round in shape. Both of the piece's rims are raised and undecorated.
The coat of arms of Andorra is illustrated inside a solid circular boundary in the center of the obverse. Interrupting the lower portion of this boundary is the abbreviated face value "1 ct.", which is inscribed on a single horizontal line below the arms. The Catalan state title "PRINCIPAT D'ANDORRA" is written clockwise along the coin's upper periphery, while the Gregorian date of minting, "2013", is inscribed in the opposite direction at the lower rim.
A left-facing illustration of a western capercaillie is displayed in the middle of the reverse. Printed counterclockwise along the rim to the left is the caption "GALL FER".
A maximum of 30,000 examples of the coin were manufactured. It was distributed exclusively in mint sets by the Servei d'Emissions de la Vegueria Episcopal.
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- Agnus Dei mural from the Church of Santa Coloma d'Andorra
- Lion mural from the Church of Sant Martí de la Cortinada coin (as illustrated on an Andorran stamp)
- Guillem Guifré mural from the Church of Sant Martí de la Cortinada
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