20 euro AG coloured 2024 On the Path with Saint Francis

The coloured silver 20 euro coin celebrates the gift of the Stigmata. The artistic design by Patrizio Daniele, featured on the reverse, depicts one of the most significant episodes in the life of Saint Francis of Assisi: the receiving of the Stigmata. The Saint is shown with arms partially outstretched, at the moment he receives the sacred wounds. In the background, Mount La Verna is clearly recognisable. This special location, an intensely spiritual place, was donated to Saint Francis and his friars in 1213 by Count Orlando of Chiusi della Verna to be used as a hermitage. According to hagiographic sources, it was precisely on La Verna that, on 17 September 1224, Saint Francis had a vision: "a man, in the form of a Seraph, with wings, suspended above him, arms outstretched and feet together, nailed to a cross..." (The First Life of Saint Francis of Assisi, by Thomas of Celano). Following this vision, wounds similar to those of the crucified Christ began to appear on his hands and feet, visible signs of a deep spiritual union.