Reverse In the central part, above a horizontal line, a depiction of a kneeling figure and an infant with arms outstretched towards each other. To the left of the infant, the symbols 'N.MORELLI' — the mark of engraver Nicola Morelli. Below the horizontal line, an inscription in Italian 'CiTTA del VATICANO', translating to 'Vatican City'. At the bottom, the inscription 'L. 50', meaning 'fifty lire'.
Obverse Along the arc of the coin's edge on the left side, an inscription in Italian 'PAVLVS VI P.M.', translating to 'Pope Paul VI'. On the right, the year 1978 in Roman numerals — 'MСMLXXVIII'. In the central part, the coat of arms of Pope Paul VI.