St. Philip stands as the seventh release in the prestigious 12 Apostles Series and is a spiritual homage to a man whose faith journey was defined by his honest questions, immediate obedience and ultimate sacrifice. As one of Christ’s earliest followers, St. Philip not only sought the truth but brought others to it, and in the end, laid down his life for the Gospel.
The Backstory:
First called in Galilee by Jesus Himself, Philip’s story is one of immediate trust and personal witness. Upon meeting Christ, he declared: “We have found Him of whom Moses and the Prophets wrote.” — John 1:45
His role among the apostles was defined by genuine curiosity and a thirst for deeper understanding. During the Last Supper, Philip asked: “Lord, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.” — John 14:8
Jesus’s profound reply — “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father” — cemented Philip’s place in the narrative of divine revelation. Following the resurrection, Philip preached the Gospel in Phrygia (modern-day Turkey), where he was ultimately arrested and condemned for challenging idol worship.
The design:
The reverse side of the coin, struck in high relief and fully wrapped in 24K gilding, portrays St. Philip bound to a cross, crucified upside down, his arms stretched in surrender and his body contorted yet composed. This moment of martyrdom—set against a rugged cross—is more than a death scene; it’s a visual sermon of sacrifice, conviction and triumph over fear.
The obverse transforms into a symbolic tapestry of Philip’s faith and service, showing:
• “RÉPUBLIQUE DU CAMEROUN 2000 FRANCS CFA” – Country and Denomination
• “2025” – Year of issue
• “2 oz Ag 999” – Silver weight and purity
Highlights:
Exclusive low mintage of 199 pieces
Wrapped in 24K pure gilding
Fantastic artwork on both coin faces
Legal tender issue of Cameroon