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Philatelic and Numismatic Office

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Philatelic and Numismatic Office (Vatican)

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The Philatelic and Numismatic Office of the Vatican City State (Ufficio Filatelico e Numismatico) is the department responsible for issuing the world-renowned Vatican stamps and coins. Established following the Lateran Treaty in 1929, the office exercises the sovereign right of the Holy See to produce its own postal and monetary symbols. Vatican euro coins, which feature the portrait or coat of arms of the reigning Pope, are produced in very limited quantities, making them highly sought after by numismatists globally. Similarly, Vatican stamps are celebrated for their artistic quality and historical significance, often commemorating major religious events or anniversaries. The revenue generated from these sales provides a vital economic contribution to the Vatican's budget, supporting charitable works and the maintenance of the city's artistic heritage. The office manages a large international network of subscribers and operates retail outlets near St. Peter's Square. Its productions are a blend of sovereign tradition and fine craftsmanship.

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Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C781014182326262117128
Rain mm7377695657342626708211492

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
The Philatelic and Numismatic Office is the official authority for issuing Vatican stamps and coins. These products constitute a significant revenue source for the Vatican and are highly sought after by collectors worldwide.
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Visiting
The office itself is not open to the public as it is an administrative unit. The issued stamps and coins can be purchased at the Vatican Post Office or at specialized sales points.
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Where to view it
There is no specific viewpoint as the office is located in an administrative building. The area around the Vatican Post Office near St. Peter's Square provides good access to the products.
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Local products
Local products are the official Vatican stamps and coins, often issued in limited editions. Collectors especially value special editions related to church events and anniversaries.
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Active season
The office is active year-round, with new issues typically released for special occasions such as papal visits or holy years. Demand usually increases during such events.
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Nearby
A visit to the post office to purchase stamps and coins can be easily combined with a tour of St. Peter's Basilica. A stroll through the nearby Vatican Gardens is also recommended.

Geography

Coordinates
41.90560, 12.45340

Facts

  • The office was established in 1929 as a direct result of the Lateran Treaty.
  • Vatican euro coins are minted by the Italian State Mint (IPZS) in Rome.
  • The quantity of coins issued is strictly limited by agreements with the EU.
  • Vatican stamps are only valid for postage when mailed from within Vatican City.
  • Special 'Sede Vacante' series are released during the period between popes.
  • Proceeds from philatelic sales are used to fund papal charitable missions.

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Sights in the town Philatelic and Numismatic Office (10)

Padiglione delle carrozze🏛 museum

Exhibition hall in Vatican City displaying historic carriages and horse-drawn coaches.

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Vatican Art Gallery🏛 museum

Branch of the Vatican Museums, housing a significant collection of paintings and sculptures.

🕒 Mo-Sa 08:00-17:00+♿💶

Galleria dei Candelabri🏛 museum

Gallery in the Vatican Museums, known for its collection of ancient candelabra and sculptures.

Tower of the Winds🗼 tower

Tower in Vatican City, built in the 16th century, used for astronomical studies.

Scala Elicoidale Giuseppe Momo

Double-helix staircase in Vatican City, designed by Giuseppe Momo, famous for its elegant spiral.

Pius IV House

Seat of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, a Renaissance palace in Vatican City.

Punto panoramico di viale della Galea

Viewpoint in Vatican City overlooking the gardens and the dome of St. Peter's Basilica.

Belvedere Courtyard

Former Vatican courtyard, now part of the Vatican Museums.

Necropoli della Via Triumphalis

Ancient necropolis in Vatican City along the Via Triumphalis, with well-preserved tombs.

Sistine Chapel

Renowned chapel in the Apostolic Palace, famous for Michelangelo's ceiling frescoes and The Last Judgment.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What does the Philatelic and Numismatic Office do?
It is responsible for issuing and selling Vatican stamps and coins.
Where can collectors buy stamps?
There are sales points in St. Peter's Square and in the office building within the Vatican.
Are Vatican coins valid for everyday use?
Yes, the Vatican uses the Euro, but coins are rarely in circulation due to their collector value.
Is there an online shop for collectors?
Yes, the office operates an official website for international shipping.
When is the sales office open?
Usually on weekdays from 08:30 to 13:30; closed on weekends.
Philatelic and Numismatic Office: where is it located?
Philatelic and Numismatic Office is located in Vatican.
Philatelic and Numismatic Office: what is there to see?
Highlights include Padiglione delle carrozze, Vatican Art Gallery, Galleria dei Candelabri.
Philatelic and Numismatic Office: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Philatelic and Numismatic Office: why is it worth visiting?
The Philatelic and Numismatic Office of the Vatican City State (Ufficio Filatelico e Numismatico) is the department responsible for issuing the world-renowned Vatican stamps and coins.
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History & landmarks

Fountain of the Galley — Philatelic and Numismatic Office (Vatican)
Fountain of the Galley
A decorative fountain in the Vatican Gardens evocative of maritime themes.
Bunker Access — Philatelic and Numismatic Office (Vatican)
Bunker Access
A secured access point to underground structures within the Vatican walls.
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Typography Street
The central street of the Vatican's publishing district, home to the printing presses and editorial offices of official media.
Vatican Fire Station — Philatelic and Numismatic Office (Vatican)
Vatican Fire Station
The headquarters of the Vatican Fire Brigade, responsible for fire protection and safety services throughout the entire enclave.
Oven Square — Philatelic and Numismatic Office (Vatican)
Oven Square
A small square in the heart of the Vatican's service district, named after the historical bakery that served the city.
Postal Service Square — Philatelic and Numismatic Office (Vatican)
Postal Service Square
A busy square near the Vatican Post Office headquarters, serving as a vital hub for postal and parcel traffic.
Saint Anne&#39;s Gate — Philatelic and Numismatic Office (Vatican)
Saint Anne's Gate
One of the primary entrances to Vatican City, used mainly by employees and residents for daily access to the state.
Gendarmerie Barracks — Philatelic and Numismatic Office (Vatican)
Gendarmerie Barracks
The living quarters and operational center of the Gendarmerie Corps of Vatican City, responsible for public order.

More places

Gregorian Etruscan Museum — Philatelic and Numismatic Office (Vatican)
Gregorian Etruscan Museum
The museum is dedicated to Etruscan art and culture.
Chiaramonti Museum — Philatelic and Numismatic Office (Vatican)
Chiaramonti Museum
Founded by Pope Pius VII, this museum displays hundreds of Roman busts and statues in an impressive gallery designed by Canova.
Gallery of Maps — Philatelic and Numismatic Office (Vatican)
Gallery of Maps
A 120-meter long corridor painted with 16th-century topographical maps of Italy.
Vatican Pinacoteca — Philatelic and Numismatic Office (Vatican)
Vatican Pinacoteca
A section of the Vatican Museums specialized in paintings.
Palace of Innocent VIII — Philatelic and Numismatic Office (Vatican)
Palace of Innocent VIII
This palace forms the core of the Belvedere complex in the Vatican.
Pio-Clementine Museum — Philatelic and Numismatic Office (Vatican)
Pio-Clementine Museum
The largest of the Vatican Museums, housing significant Greek and Roman sculptures, including the famous Laocoön group.
Missionary-Ethnological Museum — Philatelic and Numismatic Office (Vatican)
Missionary-Ethnological Museum
Known today as Anima Mundi, this museum displays religious artworks from around the world, often collected by missionaries.
Palace of Paul V — Philatelic and Numismatic Office (Vatican)
Palace of Paul V
This palace wing extends the Apostolic complex to the north.