Any information on this papal medal?

coinpictures

Came in at the local shop today. Just had to have it for coolness factor alone. A papal medal with a dragon? How cool is that?

It's a hair larger than a U.S. morgan dollar (I seriously need to buy myself a digital caliper), dated 1831. Is it actually from that date or a more modern recreation?

Neat die cracks too!

Thanks in advance.

rwyarmch

Mazio's Pictorial Catalogue shows 52 medals for Gregory XVI including some striking architectural medals.
You seem to have one of the earliest, 44mm, listed as Mazio 608.

STLNATS

Geogory XVI Feb 6, 1831 - June 1, 1846. This is the year I annual medal for the pope featuring Religion trampling the dragon and commemorates his election and coronation as pope. Mazzio 608, Rinaldi 26.

Given the die crack on the obverse, I suspect that this is a fairly late strike for the year.

Iosephus

<< <i>This is the year I annual medal . . . and commemorates his election and coronation as pope. >>


Boccia actually has a slightly different take on it, though still related to Gregory's election, seeing the reverse as a reference to revolutionary riots which took place during the conclave and those who suffered after his election. The reverse inscription translates as "The right hand of the Lord has wrought strength" and is taken from Psalm 118:16.

coinpictures

Now that I had some time this afternoon, here are new shots with the right lens and lighting:

olmanjon

Awesome medal. Great pics too.