Can anyone ID this medal? -- 2 more medals added --

JRocco

Can anyone tell me anything about this papal medal or point me in a direction to find out? It is 30mm, bronze. Thanks in advance.

Man

Try here

Iosephus

Very nice medal! The link that Man provided gives a good description of the piece; the front bearing the bearheaded bust of Pius IV facing right and the reverse depicting Roma, a personification of the city of Rome, armed, standing among a pile of spoils on the right and a breastplate with weapons and a flag on the left. Although issued for Pius IV (1559 - 1565), it is most likely a later restrike. The medal celebrates the resurgence of Rome. The reverse was originally used on a medal of Pius IV's predecessor, Paul IV, but was reissued during Pius IV's reign, where the idea of a resurgent city of Rome more truthfully belongs.

Paul IV brought depression to the city, strengthened the Inquisition, and opposed the power of Spain, leading almost to an invasion of Rome. The city's inhabitants openly rejoiced at his death. Pius IV, on the other hand, did not oppose Spanish power, encouraged trade in the city, and set about on a great campaign of building, in a true resurgence of the city of Rome.

JRocco

Hey thanks guys. Great info. Some of you guys totally amaze me.
I picked up a set of 3 papal medals so I guess I should show the other 2 also. Here they are and once again- throw me in the right direction. Thanks again.
John
This is also bronze , 32 mm


And last but not least- bronze , 34 mm

STLNATS

The first is a first year issue of Clement XII (1730-1740), Mazio catalogue 432. Justice is personified on the reverse. If you look carefully, the designers name "Hameriani" is on the rim on the reverse. The Hamerianis were a family that dominated the papal medals into the 1700s.

The second is of Julius III (1550-5), year 4. Mazio #68. The reverse features the facade of the Villa Julia, a palace that Julius had build on the Flaminium Way.

I believe that the link provided by Man has additional links to other popes. Try:

THIS

Altho the 2 earliest of these medals are almost certainly 19th century restrikes, these medals are extremely collectable.

JRocco

Thank you very much STLNATS. Your help is really appreciated.

Aethelred

Great medals!