In order to raise funds to complete the restoration work of Berninis monumental colonnade at St. Peters, the Vatican has announced that it will issue two commemorative stamps, complete with certificate of authenticity.

One of the stamps depicts the coat of arms of Alexander VII, the pope who commissioned the work on the square in front of St. Peters in 1656. The other carries the coat of arms of the present pope, Benedict XVI, who began the restoration in 2009. The stamps cost 10 each and can be purchased together in a special pack, complete with certificate which the purchaser can personalize by writing a name in the space provided. The special issue is expected to appeal greatly to collectors and should acquire value through time.

The Vatican hopes to raise around 3 million with this initiative.  

For information: www.vaticanstate.va