Anyone recognize this Vatican medal?-Sold for big bucks

danglen

Pope Paul III, born at Rome or Canino, 29 Feb., 1468; elected, 12 Oct., 1534; died at Rome, 10 Nov., 1549. I kind of doubt this medal was struck contemporaneously with his papacy, but I'm sure it's not a modern issue either. Anyone have any ideas?

With less than a minute to go was at $42.00..........

Vatican Medal Link

Cladiator

STLNATS

Nice Medal. I assume its bronze or brass?

The reverse refers to Ganymede & the eagle and according to my reference is attributed to Alesandro Croate. Several years are noted: 13 and 16, yours is 16. Spink # 498, Mazio 52.

Paul III was a true Renaissance pope, hiring many architects, painters and other artists for various commissions. For example, Michelangelo was engaged to finish the "Last Judgement" in the Sistine Chapel and to supervise work on the renewed building effort for St Peters. He worked hard to establish/increase the status of his family. Two grandsons were promoted to Cardinals and given key offices, for example.

He had an interest in antiquities as many in the Renaissance and thus used such themes on his medals, altho such themes may seem very inappropriate today.

In this case, Ganymede is the young, beautiful boy that became one of Zeus' lovers. One source of the myth says that Zeus fell in love with Ganymede when he spotted him herding his flock on Mount Ida. Zeus then came down in the form of an eagle or sent an eagle to carry Ganymede to Mount Olympus where Ganymede became cupbearer to the gods.

The scene on the pope's robe anticipates the upcoming holy year of 1550 (1534 + 16) and shows the pope breaking down the holy door to start the celebration of the year. Of course he didn't live quite that long altho the medals were issued after his death.

The medal is probably a late 18th or early 19th century restrike and is part of a series restruck and sold (to tourists and others) at the time. Mine is of very similar nice style as yours. These are not rare but are quite popular types because of the nice workmanship and tend to retail between $65-100. Silver would be quite a bit more.

ajaan

Dan, for sale?

danglen

<< <i> Dan, for sale? >>



As always, going on eBay Sunday night, ninety-nine cent starting bid, no reserve By the way, IMHO the toning on this piece is spectacular!

ajaan

I'm bidding.

PuddlePirate

I am not going to start collecting Vatican medals... I am not going to start collecting Vatican medals... I am not ....

danglen

ttt

danglen

ttt

Aethelred

Stunning medal!

Blackhawk

Maybe someone besides Marty has a wienie collection.

danglen

<< <i> Maybe someone besides Marty has a wienie collection. >>

Askari

Stunning indeed!