Reverse: Along the rim, at the top, “500 years of St. Peter’s Basilica”. In the center, the basilica's dome, designed by Michelangelo, and a representation of Pope Benedict XVI.

Obverse: At the top, the face value. In the center, an overhead illustration of St. Peter’s Basilica and the Square with the two fountains, the year of issue, and “RF” for “French Republic”. At the bottom, “Liberty - Equality - Fraternity”.

In 2006, Pope Benedict XVI marked the 500th anniversary of the founding of St. Peter's Basilica with an invitation to the faithful to be "like living stones, to build the Holy Church".

St. Peter's Basilica is the tallest building of the Vatican City. The interior of the basilica, which includes 45 altars, is decorated by many famous artists. Some of the most important works in the church are the Pietà by Michelangelo, the papal altar and the Throne of St. Peter by Bernini, and the Monument to the Stuarts by Canova.