2011 Vatican EURO Proof Coin Set

• Mint: Italian Mint
• Quality: Proof
• Issue limit: 14,000
• Alloy: Base Metal
• Denomination: Euro
• Number of coins: 8
• Medal included: Yes (silver medal)

Vatican City (officially the State of the Vatican City) is a landlocked sovereign city-state whose territory consists of a walled enclave within the city of Rome, the capital city of Italy. At approximately 44 hectares (110 acres), and with a population of around 900, it is the smallest country in the world by both area and population.

Vatican City came into existence with the Lateran Treaty in 1929 and is thus clearly distinct from the central authority of the Roman Catholic Church, known as the Holy See, which existed long before 1929. The two entities have separate languages (Italian vs. Latin) and distinct passports: the Holy See, not being a country, only issues diplomatic passports; the state of Vatican City issues normal passports. In both cases the passports issued are very few.

Vatican City is ruled by the Bishop of Rome—the Pope. The highest state functionaries are all clergymen of the Roman Catholic Church. It is the sovereign territory of the Holy See (Sancta Sedes) and the location of the Pope's residence, referred to as the Apostolic Palace. The Popes have resided in the area that in 1929 became the Vatican City since the return from Avignon in 1377.