Pictures of Some New Papal Medals
Iosephus
Posts: 872 ✭✭✭
I finally had a chance to image and research some acquisitions from the past few months for my records and figured I would share them here. I haven't been able to buy much lately because I spent a large part of my budget on reference books, so it was fun getting to know these few medals better. They cover a large range of time, so there are some very different styles.
Restoration of the Hospital of the Holy Ghost
Bronze, 42.5 mm Ø, 29.2 g
Obverse: Bust of Alexander VII facing left, wearing papal tiara and decorative cope. Around, ALEXAN · VII · PONT · MAX · A · XII ·. Below the bust, G M ·.
Reverse: The Hospital of the Holy Ghost, with the Rovere Piazza and passersby in the foreground. Above, clouds and a radiant dove. In exergue, ÆDIBVS ŒCONOMIA ET DISCIPLINA RESTITVTIS.
The Hospital of the Holy Ghost was founded in 1198 during the reign of Innocent III. Alexander VII sought to renew the hospital, both architecturally and administratively. The major part of architectural restoration was the rear facade, facing the Tiber river, and was begun in 1664.
This medal is the annual medal for the 12th year of Alexander VII's reign, issued in 1666. The medal commemorates the reconstruction work being done on the rear facade of the Hospital of the Holy Ghost, and was engraved by Gaspare Morone. The radiant dove on the reverse is symbolic of the Holy Spirit. The reverse inscription can be translated as "Restoration of Physical, Financial, and Moral Health".
Treaties of Peace of Nijmegen
Bronze (Gilt on Reverse), 47 mm Ø, 39.9 g
Obverse: Bust of Innocent XI facing right, wearing papal tiara and decorative cope. Around, INNOCEN XI · PONT · MAX. On the truncation of the bust, OPVS, and below, IO · HAMERANVS ·.
Reverse: Allegorical figure kneeling facing left, offering a smoking vase to an angel seated above on a cloud holding an olive branch. At the foot of the figure rests a lamb, and in the background an obelisk and temple can be seen at the right. Around, FECIT · PACEM · SVPER · TERRAM. Inscribed on the stone pedestal to the left, the year 1679.
From 1672 to 1678, several European countries were at war during the Franco-Dutch War. Innocent XI, of anti-French sentiment, was an important impetus in the peace negotiations from 1676 to 1679. In 1678 and 1679, several peace treaties were signed at the Dutch city of Nijmegen between France, Holland, Spain, Sweden, and the Holy Roman Empire. Although Holland was a Protestant country, Innocent XI found himself supporting them against the invasions by Catholic France.
This medal was issued to commemorate the peace treaties, and was engraved by Giovanni Hamerani. The kneeling figure on the reverse is meant to represent Innocent XI, praying for peace. The vase with billowing smoke represents the prayers of the pontiff, while the angel holding an olive brance represents peace. The lamb at the figure's foot also represents peace. The reverse inscription translates as "He Made Peace in the Land".
The remaining gilt on the reverse and large die crack are rather interesting on this medal. In the catalog Roma Resurgens, they discuss a similar example of this medal, though the reverse crack is not yet as long. The gilt, especially so worn, points to an earlier strike, though the large crack would seem to contradict this. In the catalog, they suggest that it is not a die crack, but rather a flaw from the striking process. The appearance here of the crack, further extended, goes against that theory. Also interesting to note is that in the pictorial reprint of the Mazio catalog, the image for this medal shows no die crack on the reverse. Also interesting, in a reference book by Walter Miselli, he has a separate listing for this medal which does not contain the engraver's signature on the obverse. Miselli cross references this to the Mazio catalog, but the reprint of Mazio with images is referenced for the medal with the signature. The images in this catalog are supposed to be all of later restrikes. The images are also not great quality, so it is difficult to tell if the signature is truly there. I tried to see if there are any noticeable differences on obverse between the Mazio reprint and this medal, but it is very hard to tell. It does look as if the bottom serif in the "E" in the Mazio reprint extends out a little further than on this medal, but it's very difficult to tell. I would be interested in seeing more examples of this medal in the future. If it is taken that these medals are earlier strikes, it makes me wonder if a new reverse (and obverse?) die was created and used for later restrikes. I'm not an expert in such attributions as to striking date and such, so I'm just giving some musings here that I've been thinking of.
Elevation of Five New Saints
Bronze, 44.5 mm Ø, 38.6 g
Obverse: Bust of Gregory XVI facing left with mozzetta, stole, and zucchetto. Around, GREGORIVS · XVI · PONT · MAX · A · IX ·. Below, the engraver, GIROMETTI · F ·.
Reverse: Five new saints arranged on a cloud. Above, radiant all-seeing eye. Around, MIRABILIS · DEVS · IN · SANCTIS · SVIS ·. In exergue, VII · KAL · IVN · M·DCCC·XXXVIIII·.
On May 26, 1839, Gregory XVI canonized five new saints. St. Francis de Geronimo (1642 - 1716) was a Jesuit priest and missionary, succesful preacher, and has had many miraculous cures attributed to him. St. Pacificus of San Severino (1653 - 1721) was a Franciscan priest who suffered great illness, performed miracles, and led a contemplative life. St. John Joseph of the Cross (1654 - 1739) was a Franciscan who practiced great austerity, was raised to the priesthood, and has had many miraculous cures attributed to him. St. Veronica Giuliani (1660 - 1727) was an Italian mystic who helped the poor, was a member of the Poor Clares, and received the stigmata. St. Alphonsus Liguori (1696 - 1787) originally was studying law, but abandoned that route to become a priest, where he went on to write 111 works on spirituality and theology, help the poor, and found the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer.
This medal is the annual medal for the 9th year of Gregory XVI's reign, issued in 1839. The medal commemorates the five new saints canonized by Gregory XVI and was engraved by Giuseppe Girometti. The reverse design is the common image used to commemorate the elevation of new saints. The reverse inscription translates as "Wonderful God in His Saints" and the date of the elevation, May 26, 1839, is given using the Julian calendar (VII · KAL · IVN · M·DCCC·XXXVIIII·).
Consecration of the Restored Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls
Bronze, 82.5 mm Ø, 259.6 g
Obverse: Bust of Pius IX facing left, wearing zucchetto, mozzetta, and decorative stole. Around, PIVS IX PONT · MAX ·. Below, I · BIANCHI F ·.
Reverse: Interior view of the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, looking down the central nave towards the apse. Around the border, PIVS · IX · P · M · BASILICAM · PAVLI · APOST · AB · INCENDIO · REFECTAM · SOLEMNI · RITV · CONSECRAVIT · IV · ID · DEC · MDCCCLIV. In exergue, AL · POLETTI · ARCH · INV ·. At the base of the floor, I · BIANCHI · FECIT ·.
The Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls was nearly completely destroyed by a fire on July 15, 1823. It is believed that the fire was caused by a negligent workman repairing the lead on the basilica's roof. The reconstruction was a major event, with various countries contributing. The basilica reopened in 1840, but was not fully completed until 1931 when the central bronze doors were installed. The transept was consecrated during the 1840 reopening by the current pontiff, Gregory XVI. The basilca as a whole was not consecrated until December 10, 1854 by Pius IX. The reconstruction work was begun under Pasquale Belli and completed under Luigi Poletti. Unfortunately, during the reconstruction, much of the original basilica and frescoes were lost.
This medal was created to commemorate the consecration of the basilica by Pius IX and was engraved by Ignazio Bianchi. The reverse of the medal features a stunning three-dimensional engraving of the central nave of the reconstructed basilica. The architect of the reconstruction, Luigi Poletti, is mentioned on the reverse in the exergue inscription. The date of the consecration (December 10, 1854) is provided on the reverse using the Julian calendar (IV · ID · DEC · MDCCCLIV). The reverse inscription can be roughly translated as "Basilica of the Apostle Paul, from the Fire to Solemnity by the Ceremony of Consecration".
In Memory of the Pontiff's Reign
Silver, 44 mm Ø, 41.3 g
Obverse: Portrait of John Paul I facing left wearing zucchetto and stole with the image of the Virgin Mary. Around, IOANNES PAVLVS I P·M·. Below, P · GIAMPAOLI.
Reverse: The coat of arms of John Paul I, featuring shield in front of crossed keys and surmounted by the papal tiara. Above, HUMILITAS. Below, 26-VIII 28-IX MCMLXXVIII.
Albino Luciani was elected to the papacy on August 26, 1978, and took the regnal name of John Paul to honor his two predecessors. He was grateful to John XXIII for naming him bishop of Vittorio Veneto and to Paul VI for naming him Patriarch of Venice and later consecrating him as a cardinal. John Paul emphasized humility throughout his pontificate, refusing to wear the papal tiara or be crowned in a Papal Coronation ceremony. However, he passed away on September 28, 1978, after reigning for only 33 days. Interestingly, ten pontiffs prior reigned for even shorter periods, the shortest being that of Urban VII in 1590, who reigned for only 13 days.
This medal was produced posthumously by the Vatican to honor John Paul I and was engraved by Pietro Giampaoli.. The obverse prominently displays the smiling face of the pontiff. On the reverse, his personal motto, "Humilitas" ("Humility") is featured on top. His shield features, at the top, a winged lion holding a book open with its paw. The lion represents St. Mark and has been used as a symbol of the City of Venice, which possesses relics of the saint. Saint Mark's Basilica in Venice is also the see of the Patriarch. The book which the lion holds open contains the inscription PAX TIBI MARCE EVANGELISTA MEUS, which translates as "May Peace Be With You, Mark, My Evangelist". In the center of the shield are three stars, representing light and also reminiscent of the name Luciani. At the tip, six pieces of silver represent the mountains of Italy.
The Encyclical "Evangelium Vitae"
Silver, 44 mm Ø, 44.7 g, Numbered 3053/6000
Obverse: Bust of John Paul II facing right wearing zucchetto, with hands raised in prayer. Around, IOANNES PAVLVS II PONT MAX AN XVII. Below the bust, F CALDARELLA. On the bottom of the border, three Greek crosses.
Reverse: The scene of the Creation of Adam, taken from Michelangelo's fresco in the Sistine Chapel. Below, a scroll, on which is written EVANGELIUM VITAE. Around the border, 16 Greek crosses.
Edge: Incuse E CIVITATE VATICANA and the number of the medal, 3053 / 6000.
On March 25, 1995, the encyclical "Evangelium Vitae" ("Gospel of Life") was promulgated. This was the eleventh encyclical issued by John Paul II. In it, John Paul II elucidated on the position of the Church regarding the value and inviolability of human life. Topics include discussions against human killing, such as abortion, euthanasia, and the death penalty, and focuses on the idea of the family as central to society.
This medal is the annual medal for the 17th year of John Paul II's reign, issued in 1995. The medal commemorates the publication of the encyclical "Evangelium Vitae" and was engraved by Francesco Caldarella. The reverse design evokes the idea of human life, illustrating Adam receiving life from God. The use of a scene from the Sistine Chapel also coincides with its recent restoration, unveiled on April 8, 1994.
Restoration of the Hospital of the Holy Ghost
Bronze, 42.5 mm Ø, 29.2 g
Obverse: Bust of Alexander VII facing left, wearing papal tiara and decorative cope. Around, ALEXAN · VII · PONT · MAX · A · XII ·. Below the bust, G M ·.
Reverse: The Hospital of the Holy Ghost, with the Rovere Piazza and passersby in the foreground. Above, clouds and a radiant dove. In exergue, ÆDIBVS ŒCONOMIA ET DISCIPLINA RESTITVTIS.
The Hospital of the Holy Ghost was founded in 1198 during the reign of Innocent III. Alexander VII sought to renew the hospital, both architecturally and administratively. The major part of architectural restoration was the rear facade, facing the Tiber river, and was begun in 1664.
This medal is the annual medal for the 12th year of Alexander VII's reign, issued in 1666. The medal commemorates the reconstruction work being done on the rear facade of the Hospital of the Holy Ghost, and was engraved by Gaspare Morone. The radiant dove on the reverse is symbolic of the Holy Spirit. The reverse inscription can be translated as "Restoration of Physical, Financial, and Moral Health".
Treaties of Peace of Nijmegen
Bronze (Gilt on Reverse), 47 mm Ø, 39.9 g
Obverse: Bust of Innocent XI facing right, wearing papal tiara and decorative cope. Around, INNOCEN XI · PONT · MAX. On the truncation of the bust, OPVS, and below, IO · HAMERANVS ·.
Reverse: Allegorical figure kneeling facing left, offering a smoking vase to an angel seated above on a cloud holding an olive branch. At the foot of the figure rests a lamb, and in the background an obelisk and temple can be seen at the right. Around, FECIT · PACEM · SVPER · TERRAM. Inscribed on the stone pedestal to the left, the year 1679.
From 1672 to 1678, several European countries were at war during the Franco-Dutch War. Innocent XI, of anti-French sentiment, was an important impetus in the peace negotiations from 1676 to 1679. In 1678 and 1679, several peace treaties were signed at the Dutch city of Nijmegen between France, Holland, Spain, Sweden, and the Holy Roman Empire. Although Holland was a Protestant country, Innocent XI found himself supporting them against the invasions by Catholic France.
This medal was issued to commemorate the peace treaties, and was engraved by Giovanni Hamerani. The kneeling figure on the reverse is meant to represent Innocent XI, praying for peace. The vase with billowing smoke represents the prayers of the pontiff, while the angel holding an olive brance represents peace. The lamb at the figure's foot also represents peace. The reverse inscription translates as "He Made Peace in the Land".
The remaining gilt on the reverse and large die crack are rather interesting on this medal. In the catalog Roma Resurgens, they discuss a similar example of this medal, though the reverse crack is not yet as long. The gilt, especially so worn, points to an earlier strike, though the large crack would seem to contradict this. In the catalog, they suggest that it is not a die crack, but rather a flaw from the striking process. The appearance here of the crack, further extended, goes against that theory. Also interesting to note is that in the pictorial reprint of the Mazio catalog, the image for this medal shows no die crack on the reverse. Also interesting, in a reference book by Walter Miselli, he has a separate listing for this medal which does not contain the engraver's signature on the obverse. Miselli cross references this to the Mazio catalog, but the reprint of Mazio with images is referenced for the medal with the signature. The images in this catalog are supposed to be all of later restrikes. The images are also not great quality, so it is difficult to tell if the signature is truly there. I tried to see if there are any noticeable differences on obverse between the Mazio reprint and this medal, but it is very hard to tell. It does look as if the bottom serif in the "E" in the Mazio reprint extends out a little further than on this medal, but it's very difficult to tell. I would be interested in seeing more examples of this medal in the future. If it is taken that these medals are earlier strikes, it makes me wonder if a new reverse (and obverse?) die was created and used for later restrikes. I'm not an expert in such attributions as to striking date and such, so I'm just giving some musings here that I've been thinking of.
Elevation of Five New Saints
Bronze, 44.5 mm Ø, 38.6 g
Obverse: Bust of Gregory XVI facing left with mozzetta, stole, and zucchetto. Around, GREGORIVS · XVI · PONT · MAX · A · IX ·. Below, the engraver, GIROMETTI · F ·.
Reverse: Five new saints arranged on a cloud. Above, radiant all-seeing eye. Around, MIRABILIS · DEVS · IN · SANCTIS · SVIS ·. In exergue, VII · KAL · IVN · M·DCCC·XXXVIIII·.
On May 26, 1839, Gregory XVI canonized five new saints. St. Francis de Geronimo (1642 - 1716) was a Jesuit priest and missionary, succesful preacher, and has had many miraculous cures attributed to him. St. Pacificus of San Severino (1653 - 1721) was a Franciscan priest who suffered great illness, performed miracles, and led a contemplative life. St. John Joseph of the Cross (1654 - 1739) was a Franciscan who practiced great austerity, was raised to the priesthood, and has had many miraculous cures attributed to him. St. Veronica Giuliani (1660 - 1727) was an Italian mystic who helped the poor, was a member of the Poor Clares, and received the stigmata. St. Alphonsus Liguori (1696 - 1787) originally was studying law, but abandoned that route to become a priest, where he went on to write 111 works on spirituality and theology, help the poor, and found the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer.
This medal is the annual medal for the 9th year of Gregory XVI's reign, issued in 1839. The medal commemorates the five new saints canonized by Gregory XVI and was engraved by Giuseppe Girometti. The reverse design is the common image used to commemorate the elevation of new saints. The reverse inscription translates as "Wonderful God in His Saints" and the date of the elevation, May 26, 1839, is given using the Julian calendar (VII · KAL · IVN · M·DCCC·XXXVIIII·).
Consecration of the Restored Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls
Bronze, 82.5 mm Ø, 259.6 g
Obverse: Bust of Pius IX facing left, wearing zucchetto, mozzetta, and decorative stole. Around, PIVS IX PONT · MAX ·. Below, I · BIANCHI F ·.
Reverse: Interior view of the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, looking down the central nave towards the apse. Around the border, PIVS · IX · P · M · BASILICAM · PAVLI · APOST · AB · INCENDIO · REFECTAM · SOLEMNI · RITV · CONSECRAVIT · IV · ID · DEC · MDCCCLIV. In exergue, AL · POLETTI · ARCH · INV ·. At the base of the floor, I · BIANCHI · FECIT ·.
The Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls was nearly completely destroyed by a fire on July 15, 1823. It is believed that the fire was caused by a negligent workman repairing the lead on the basilica's roof. The reconstruction was a major event, with various countries contributing. The basilica reopened in 1840, but was not fully completed until 1931 when the central bronze doors were installed. The transept was consecrated during the 1840 reopening by the current pontiff, Gregory XVI. The basilca as a whole was not consecrated until December 10, 1854 by Pius IX. The reconstruction work was begun under Pasquale Belli and completed under Luigi Poletti. Unfortunately, during the reconstruction, much of the original basilica and frescoes were lost.
This medal was created to commemorate the consecration of the basilica by Pius IX and was engraved by Ignazio Bianchi. The reverse of the medal features a stunning three-dimensional engraving of the central nave of the reconstructed basilica. The architect of the reconstruction, Luigi Poletti, is mentioned on the reverse in the exergue inscription. The date of the consecration (December 10, 1854) is provided on the reverse using the Julian calendar (IV · ID · DEC · MDCCCLIV). The reverse inscription can be roughly translated as "Basilica of the Apostle Paul, from the Fire to Solemnity by the Ceremony of Consecration".
In Memory of the Pontiff's Reign
Silver, 44 mm Ø, 41.3 g
Obverse: Portrait of John Paul I facing left wearing zucchetto and stole with the image of the Virgin Mary. Around, IOANNES PAVLVS I P·M·. Below, P · GIAMPAOLI.
Reverse: The coat of arms of John Paul I, featuring shield in front of crossed keys and surmounted by the papal tiara. Above, HUMILITAS. Below, 26-VIII 28-IX MCMLXXVIII.
Albino Luciani was elected to the papacy on August 26, 1978, and took the regnal name of John Paul to honor his two predecessors. He was grateful to John XXIII for naming him bishop of Vittorio Veneto and to Paul VI for naming him Patriarch of Venice and later consecrating him as a cardinal. John Paul emphasized humility throughout his pontificate, refusing to wear the papal tiara or be crowned in a Papal Coronation ceremony. However, he passed away on September 28, 1978, after reigning for only 33 days. Interestingly, ten pontiffs prior reigned for even shorter periods, the shortest being that of Urban VII in 1590, who reigned for only 13 days.
This medal was produced posthumously by the Vatican to honor John Paul I and was engraved by Pietro Giampaoli.. The obverse prominently displays the smiling face of the pontiff. On the reverse, his personal motto, "Humilitas" ("Humility") is featured on top. His shield features, at the top, a winged lion holding a book open with its paw. The lion represents St. Mark and has been used as a symbol of the City of Venice, which possesses relics of the saint. Saint Mark's Basilica in Venice is also the see of the Patriarch. The book which the lion holds open contains the inscription PAX TIBI MARCE EVANGELISTA MEUS, which translates as "May Peace Be With You, Mark, My Evangelist". In the center of the shield are three stars, representing light and also reminiscent of the name Luciani. At the tip, six pieces of silver represent the mountains of Italy.
The Encyclical "Evangelium Vitae"
Silver, 44 mm Ø, 44.7 g, Numbered 3053/6000
Obverse: Bust of John Paul II facing right wearing zucchetto, with hands raised in prayer. Around, IOANNES PAVLVS II PONT MAX AN XVII. Below the bust, F CALDARELLA. On the bottom of the border, three Greek crosses.
Reverse: The scene of the Creation of Adam, taken from Michelangelo's fresco in the Sistine Chapel. Below, a scroll, on which is written EVANGELIUM VITAE. Around the border, 16 Greek crosses.
Edge: Incuse E CIVITATE VATICANA and the number of the medal, 3053 / 6000.
On March 25, 1995, the encyclical "Evangelium Vitae" ("Gospel of Life") was promulgated. This was the eleventh encyclical issued by John Paul II. In it, John Paul II elucidated on the position of the Church regarding the value and inviolability of human life. Topics include discussions against human killing, such as abortion, euthanasia, and the death penalty, and focuses on the idea of the family as central to society.
This medal is the annual medal for the 17th year of John Paul II's reign, issued in 1995. The medal commemorates the publication of the encyclical "Evangelium Vitae" and was engraved by Francesco Caldarella. The reverse design evokes the idea of human life, illustrating Adam receiving life from God. The use of a scene from the Sistine Chapel also coincides with its recent restoration, unveiled on April 8, 1994.
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Comments
BTW, the silver year 17 JP II medal is a bit special for me. The one in my collection is a souvenir of my daughter's high school Latin class trip to Italy. I told her where the sales office was in the colonade and she actually found it and got one for me despite being on the run and pressured to "get back on the bus" en route to the next venue. It also got me seriously started collecting this series.
Seriously, though, those are stunning.
I particularly like the Peace of Nijmegen one and I could just crawl inside the reverse of the St. Paul's Basilica one, and wander around all day. The 3-D aspect of some of these is incredible.
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Tom, formerly in Albuquerque, NM.
Time for the chant, to keep myself in line.
<< <i>I will not collect exonumia
I will not collect exonumia
I will not collect exonumia
I will not collect exonumia
I will not collect exonumia >>
FOR SALE Items
Quality post!!!!
karlgoetzmedals.com
secessionistmedals.com
Thanks for the post. It's one of the best I have seen here in a long time. I for one recommend DPOTD for it.
I'm not sure if it is the same medal but it's been on my page for a few years because of its stunning detail. I just added the extra descriptive info from the above post. I hope that is okay?
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<< <i>I may be wrong but I think the one that you refer to as the Basilica of ST. Pauls is actually the interior of St. John Laterans in Rome. There is a medal of the Basilica of St. Pauls is in a similar style not as much detail but it shows the Walls from the outside and the church in construction. The obverse of Pius IX is the same. It is a smaller medal. >>
I'm pretty darn sure it is the Basilica of Saint Paul. First, the inscription refers to this basilica (BASILICAM · PAVLI · APOST). Second, the interior view is that of St. Paul's, not the Basilica of St. John Lateran. Below are images of the interior naves of each basilica. The medal definitely portrays that of the Basilica of St. Paul.
Basilica of Saint Paul:
Basilica of Saint John Lateran:
Virtus Collection - Renaissance and Baroque Medals
Please don't. There's enough competition already. I heard that 19th century Channel Islands, Iceland and Chad Essais are the new hot spots.
LOL
If you do, be sure to get a few standard books before spending too much money. Altho it only covers the Baroque period, Roma Resurgens is a great, fairly inexpensive book that you really need with a ton of info about production, history, etc. Other good buys are the DeLuca book if you can find it and the 1977 Sadow and Sarro book which covers annual medals of the period 1929-1977. You might even consider the Berman Papal Coins book which provides a nice frame of reference. Mazio and the Lincoln/Spink catalogues are also gotta haves. Many of these can be picked up inexpensively on ebay.
There is a ton of great specialized catalogues coming out of Italy recently authored by Modesti. Folio size, beautiful color pix, up to date research. They're in Italian but are fairly easy to navigate for those of us who have difficulty with English. What's not to like? Well, they tend to cost $150-250 per volume so may want to wait on those.
Good Luck!
8 Reales Madness Collection
<< <i>Iosephus, It certainly is a pleasure to see something other than grades and images at the molecular level. This is what collecting is all about, a combination of Connoisseurship, art history, and the interest by the collector to share new found knowledge with others.
Quality post!!!!
Well said cacheman!
I could see those architectural reverses quickly becoming addictive......