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John Paul I Medal

A post by Aethelred earlier this week showed the 1978 L. 1000 commemorating John Paul I. In addition to the coin, there was a medal officially issued by Vatican City (vs. the zillions of private ones) and here's an example of the silver.

In the jargon of Vatican numismatics, this is an "extraordinary" medal, i.e., not of the annual series, but one issued for special events, &c. These were issued in both bronze and silver and are a nice big 44mm. This was an issue of JPII and you'll note that JPI's dates are beneath the arms on the reverse.

Usually the Vatican medals are very striking and impressive. I know its a matter of taste, but I've always thought this has an industrial, bang 'em out appearance with weakish lettering around the edge and a pretty unimaginative design. The bright proof finish and the metal content in the reverse field doesn't help either. Still, you gotta have it if you're working on a set.

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edited to clean up some obvious typos...why don't they have spell check on this thing!

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Always interested in St Louis MO & IL metro area and Evansville IN national bank notes and Vatican/papal states coins and medals!

Comments

  • lathmachlathmach Posts: 4,720
    I don't have an opinion on the medal.
    But I do wish I had a huge bump on my nose like that guy. Then my glasses wouldn't be sliding down all the time.

    Ray
  • mrearlygoldmrearlygold Posts: 17,858 ✭✭✭


    << <i>I don't have an opinion on the medal.
    But I do wish I had a huge bump on my nose like that guy. Then my glasses wouldn't be sliding down all the time.

    Ray >>







    image


    Seems like a number of Popes had that attribute. I'll post pictures of my wins at the Stacks/Coin Galleries sale to show as soon as they get here

    Tomimage
  • AethelredAethelred Posts: 9,288 ✭✭✭
    Neat medal IMO.
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    WNC Coins, LLC
    1987-C Hendersonville Road
    Asheville, NC 28803


    wnccoins.com
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