The art of making medals as a domain of fine arts, in addition to artistic values, has cognitive advantages. Often, issuing of medals is associated with an important event or with an especially meritorious person. Medals are valuable historical documents.
Medals gathered at the Center are partially gifts to the Holy Father. Their collection is constantly replenished through exchange or purchase. The numismatic collection consists of approximately 3-4 thousand medals. Some of them are presented below:
- Medals issued by the Vatican Mint to commemorate the anniversaries of John Paul II’s pontificate, which were made by famous medal designers. It is worth noting that the 18th anniversary of the pontificate coincided with the Golden Jubilee of the Priesthood of the Holy Father. This was commemorated by a special medal designed by Polish professor Czeslaw Dźwigaj.
- Medals by Joseph Stasiński document the events of the Polish Pope’s pontificate. The artist, inspired by his respect and love for the Holy Father, designed the medals to commemorate each year of the Holy Father’s pontificate.
- Apostolic Pilgrimages form a special group of medals and document the Holy Father’s visits to Poland, Italy and many other countries around the world.