PONTIFICATE OF H.H. BENEDICT XVI 6^th YEAR - 2010
GOLD COMMEMORATIVE COINS 20 AND 50 EURO
MASTERPIECES OF SCULPTURE IN VATICAN CITY
"APOLLO OF BELVEDERE" AND "AUGUSTUS OF PRIMA PORTA"

Gold title:Au 917/1000
Outer rim: Milled
Version: Proof
Sculptor: Orietta Rossi
Engraver: Maria Carmela Colaneri
Mint: IPZS (Italy)
Nominal Value: 50 Euro
Diameter: 28 mm
Legal Weight:15 g
Max. Mintage. 3.050 coins

The triennal artistic series featuring masterpieces of sculpture from the Vatican Museums continues now in its final year.
On the 50 euro coin an image of "Augustus of Prima Porta" is depicted, also known as the "Augustus Armour", referring to the leather armour of the Roman legions. The statue shows the emperor Augustus standing with his right arm raised as a gesture calling for silence before an official speech (adlocutio) to rally the troops for battle. The armour is the most interesting part of the sculpture. Various elements decorate it with the most notable relief showing a defeated king of the Parthians returning a military insignia taken previously from Roman troops.
(Source: Numismatic Vatican Office)

Vatican Coins - Wikipedia