CoinsAreFun
US Coins, World Coins, and More => US Coins, tokens and medals => Topic started by: JRocco on October 04, 2010, 08:42:13 PM
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Here is a nice summary as written by Adolfo Modesti, one of the guru's in the field.
"The medal in the modern sense of the term is an artistic creation of the Italian Renaissance: one of the most simple and delightful original works of art and culture, designed to celebrate or commemorate figures or events, whether important or little known. The medal is a synthesis of sophisticated culture, given its recourse to symbolic, allegorical and mythological figures, illustrating in fairly limited space stories and events that are sometimes complex, and given the use of Latin in the pithy and succinct inscriptions. The medal is also an extremely important historical document because of its celebratory and commemorative functions, able to transmit images, faces, names, dates and information about people and events in different centuries in all sorts of different styles. The Popes were well aware of the significance and properties of the medal, of which they made great use from the XVI century on, to celebrate and rescue from oblivion the most important events of their Pontificate. And so it is that today the papal medals make up a continual series without equals among the medals that have been stamped in various periods by the great figures, dynasties and institutions of every country. They are of enormous importance, both historical and artistic: they document almost five and a half centuries of the history of the Church."
Let me add here that Papal medals not only interest me, they have the ability to take me away to a different time and place. A time steeped in real history and world events.
As described by Spink & Son in "The Catalogue of Papal Medals" you can divide the whole of these medals into two classes, --the "authentic", that is, those which were executed by artists who were contemporary with the events commemorated, and in which the likeness of the Pontiff is taken from life; and the artistic, or those which the artist, assisted by the archaeologist, produces as the only attainable representation of what a contemporary artist should have done, if such an one had lived, and the opportunity been afforded him of executing his work.
Wow that was a lot....I think I am going to get a beer.
I would love to add a few of the pieces in my collection with a brief comment if and when I can. Most of the pieces are 18th and 19th century re-strikes while a few are original, authentic pieces.
I will copy and paste some of these write up's that I may have posted in various threads on various boards through the years.
Here is a 1575 Papal Medal of Pope Gregory XIII.
This is an original piece from 1575 and not a re-strike.
This is the "Anno Santo/Holy Year" Issue
It is made of copper and measures 32mm (just smaller than a silver dollar). The obverse shows Pope Gregory XIII and the reverse shows the "Holy Year" Door which is opened only one year of every 25 years.
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/popegragoryobv.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/popegregoryrev.jpg)
I often talk about how tough it was in our mint back in the early 1800's punching coins on a screw press, imagine what a bear it must have been back in 1575, in Italy, trying to punch this large copper. You can see the hand work involved as everything here was hand punched. This one is a true gem and is in excellent condition.
I would have a hard time trying to value this piece.
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/popegregdbpan.jpg)
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I'm so glad to see your Papal medals posted here ;D
I hope everyone enjoys seeing them as much as I do Happy(*)
And welcome to the forum JRocco
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:Welcome; JRocco - wow very nice papal piece u got there!!
I know Pope Gregory XIII especially because of his reformation of the calendar (Gregorian calendar). Very cool history item :ThumbsUp;
(http://www.shrani.si/f/3S/w/2t19UhNe/200px-piusiv2.jpg)
Rok
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Hey guys, thanks for the warm welcome.
Great site Stef. I know you know how much I love these pieces and I guess it will be evident the more I post.
Here is a beautiful Pius IX. I will show some close-up views to display the true artistry and detail in this piece.
This bronze medal is huge which helps to be able to include such detail. You can darn near walk into the reverse of this one when you are holding it in hand. It measures 82 mm in diameter and 8-9 mm in thickness and weighs about a pound.
Edited to add - I have a light coating of oil on this one to help with her long term conservation.
"Consecration of the Restored Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls
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 ·.
Medal issued to commemorate the consecration of the Basilica of Saint Paul by Pius IX in 1854 and was created by Giuseppe 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 translated as "Basilica of the Apostle Paul, from the Fire to Solemnity by the Ceremony of Consecration".
Historical Background: 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 basilica 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. "
Obverse
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/PopePiuslXobvs.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/PopePiuslXobvcl2.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/PopePiuslXobccl1.jpg)
Reverse
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/PopePiuslXb.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/PopePiuslXc.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/PopePiuslXrt1.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/PopePiuslXth.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/PopePiuslXa.jpg)
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It always amazes me, the detail of these wonderful medals. thanks for posting another one :ThumbsUp;
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Thanks Stef.
This medal is a first year issue of Pope Clement XII (1730-1740) This is dated the year it was made, 1730.
It is 30 mm and shows Clement XII on the obverse wearing Tiara and cope and justice is personified on the reverse with an allegorical figure holding scales in her right hand and a palm branch in her left.
If you look carefully you can see the designers name "Hameriani" punched on the rim on the reverse. The Hameriani's were the family that dominated papal medals in the 1700's.
Mazio 432
Spink 1764
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/popeclementobv.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/popeclementrev.jpg)
Look at the relief on this piece.
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/popeclemfc.jpg)
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The relief is amazing, granted 30 mm is large but its not that large.
And all the design and high relief is wonderful
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I agree Stef it is wonderful.
Here is another Pope Clement XII, this piece was done a few years later in 1737
The obverse shows a slightly different rendering of the Pope, but it still captures that nice grumpy look.
The reverse shows a view of the Palace of the Consulate on Mount Quirinal.
The Quirinal Palace was the summer residence of the Popes before it became the home of the kings—and later the presidents—of united Italy.
Here is a rendering pic of how it looked then
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/800px-Quirinal_Giovanni_Piranesithen.jpg)
And how it looks now
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/Fratelli_DAlessandri_-_n_268_-_Roma_-_Palazzonow.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/PalaceQuirinalnow.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/PopeClementXIIobv.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/PopeClementXIIrev.jpg)
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This piece will fit in right here following the Pope Benedict XII medal showing the Palace on Mount Quirinal.
Here is a 19th century restrike of a 1590 Pope Sixtus V medal. It is dated 1590 (AN VI) and is a really nice high relief piece.
The obverse shows Pope Sixtus V in high relief while the reverse shows a beautiful rendition of The two horses of the Quirinal, with the fountain between. Let me give a real quick explanation.
The Quirinale hill used to be called Montecavallo (Horse Hill) due to the presence of the large marble statues of the Dioscuri twins and their horses. The twins are the great horseman Castor and the formidable boxer Pollux, sons of Leda and Zeus and brothers of Helen of Troy.
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/PopeSixtusVobv.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/PopeSixtusVrev.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/PopeSixtusVnibonis.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/PopeSixtusVface.jpg)
I am sure that the artists were a little free to be well...artistic and hence this is their depiction I guess.
Here is what the scene looked like back in 1590.
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/FT155.jpg)
Then..let me quote this:
"Domenico Fontana had the statutes restored and dragged to the center of the piazza; he then turned them to the right and placed his fountain right below them. In 1782, Pope Pio VI Braschi decided to refurbish the piazza. The statues were separated, turned around one more time to form a 90 degree angle. One of the two obelisks that belonged to Emperor Cesare Augusto's mausoleum was erected between the statues. The old fountain was removed and was never seen again."
Leading to a picture of the statue in the Plaza today...
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/1978153-Quirinal_Hill-Rome.jpg)
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This is a beautiful Pope Paul III Papal Medal.
I believe that this is listed as Spink # 498.
This is a tough one to find.
What amazes me the most about this piece is it was minted in the late 1700's but look at the condition of the medal. It is a really high grade uncirculated large medal. How the heck could a piece of this size and weight have been kept so pristine during the entire 1800 and 1900 periods is a mystery to me. I did purchase this medal from a collector across the pond in the Old World.
This is a large 40mm bronze piece.
The reverse shows the nude figure of Ganymede along with an eagle.
The story goes that Zeus fell in love with the young Ganymede. 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. Fascinating stuff on a mid 16th century Papal Medal. This is a restrike done in the late 18th century.
I really like this piece. The medal is done with enough detail as to show the furrows on Pope Paul's forehead.
Look at the eagle detail.
This is great stuff.
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/PopePaulIIIobv1.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/PopePaulIIIrev.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/PopePaulIIIbrw.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/PopePaulIIIegl1.jpg)
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Hey guys,
This one a very rare piece in silver dated 1572 and shows Gregory XIII on the obverse and the
reverse shows a depiction of the Massacre of the Huguenots.
It measures 9 on the Mionnet scale. It is a silver piece just about the size of a half dollar.
I see a reference in the Spink catalogue to a silver piece that is mounted.
Spink # 699
It is always nice to find these pieces in medals other than the more common bronze.
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/PGregoryVIIIsiobv.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/PGregoryVIIIsilrev.jpg)
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Here is a early piece that was crudely made in the late 1500's.
This is a Pope Sergius II medal 844-847.
Slightly smaller than a silver dollar but much much thicker.
Let me quote one of the pro's with this description:
"this is part of an extensive, albeit crude, series of medals struck unofficially in the late 1500s or so. Papal medals began to be issued in earnest in the early 1400s and my understanding is that there was considerable effort to fill the demand of collectors (yes even then!) who wanted examples of earlier popes. This is part of the earliest produced "restitution" series. Many of the portraits are totally imaginary and the reverses used stock types appropriate for any pope. Per CNORP, your medal is one of 4 types used (or at least known) for Sergius (others include parallel keys, keys behind a miter, arms without a legend along with the crossed keys you have with the legend "SANCTUS PETRUS ET PAULUS.") "
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/PopeSergiusllobv.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/PopeSergiusllrev1.jpg)
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Awesome Papal medals. I am so thankful you are sharing them with us :3dancingsmiley;
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Thanks Stef, as long as no one minds me posting these medals.
This is a crude piece that is approximately 30-32mm's and I believe it is bronze.
I purchased this from the same German seller as the Sergius ll piece I posted above.
Let me quote info I received on this piece from a guru in the field.
"This piece is listed in the Miselli volume, n. 188. No real description other than that it shows the Last Supper. The obverse can be traced to another papal medal (n. 186 in Miselli), which was issued to commemorate the pontiff's taking possession of the Lateran Basilica (Sept. 24, 1724). The book has only one collection example listed, being at a museum in Milan. The one pictured in the book also looks like a crude casting taken from a struck medal, such as the one here. It does not provide any information about where the reverse might be from"
Cool stuff
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/PopeBenedictXlllobv.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/PopeBenedictXlllrev.jpg)
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Glad your mom is doing better Stef.
Here is a really interesting medal (have I mentioned that I love interesting coins/medals ? )
This is a Pope Paul IIII ( 1555 - 1559 )
Spink 568
This piece shows Pope Paul IIII with a reverse depicting Christ giving the keys to Peter
What makes this piece so interesting in the unbelievable die breakup evident by the reverse.
Back in the day, die's were very expensive and their lives were extended as long as possible resulting in
some very interesting cracks and breaks. I would bet this one was held together with some make-shift strapping of some
kind to get every last medal struck from the dies before total failure. This one may have been the last struck.
It is a struck piece and not cast. Sorry for the shadows, but the die cracks ar huge.
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/PopePaulIIIIobv.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/PopePaulIIIIrev.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/PopePaulIIIIa.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/PopePaulIIIIe.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/PopePaulIIIId.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/PopePaulIIIIc.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/PopePaulIIIb.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/PopePaulIIIIg.jpg)
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I always loved the one with all the die cracks, what a VAM :D
Actually.......could it be.......lightning bolts :HMMMMM; :LOL;
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HaHa
My first thought when I first held the piece was
The Power of Christ....
The medal sure does make a statement.
The reverse on the Paul IIII piece is very similar to this reverse on
my Pope Marcellus II medal (1555).
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/PopeMarcellusobv.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/PopeMarcellusrev.jpg)
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Here is an extremely rare piece.
This is an original medal of Pope Clement VIII.
As I have learned, the obverse is the work of Giorgio Rancertti and the reverse that of Gian Cristofor Romano.
The obverse shows Clement VIII while the reverse shows Annona, who was used on ancient Roman Coins referring to the annual harvest from Egypt to feed Rome, Annona is shown holding grain and a cornucopia.
This is a bronze piece measuring 33 mm. It has very heavy relief and will not sit, but will rock due to the high relief.
This is an original 1593 work.
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/PopeClementVIIobv.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/PopeClementVIIIrev.jpg)
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Here is another high relief piece
It is a Pope Pius IX dated 1874
This piece is a little larger than a silver dollar and about twice as thick.
Looking at this you would think this was a great big part of the design of this medal.
Even the steps are detailed and in full relief.
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/popepius1.jpg)
Pulling back a bit you can see that this is just a piece of the larger design. Note the detail on the wall engravings in this "church"
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/popepius3.jpg)
Back a little further and you can see that this throne is set well back in the interior of the church. Note the detail on the pillars.
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/popepius4.jpg)
Looking up at the roof of the church you really get the sense that you are IN the church looking up at the detailed ceiling.
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/popepius5.jpg)
The detail on the pillars in amazing.
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/popepius2.jpg)
You get the feeling you could just step into the medal. The detail goes beyond the pillars to the walls behind.
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/popepius6.jpg)
The medal in its entirety.
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/popepiusrev1.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/popepiusobv.jpg)
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Very nice Papal medals. I just started getting some.
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Thank you regandon.
Each piece tells a different story. Pick up a copy of "Catalogue of Papal Medal", Spink & Son. This presents a nice summary of these pieces.
Here is a 1569 Italy Papal States Vatican Pope Pius V
Mazio 101
Spink 636
The obverse shows Pope Pius V wearing cope
The reverse shows the Allegorical figure of Peace, cornucopia in her left hand pointing with a seceptre (or torch) in her right hand pointing to treasures.
This piece happens to be the plate coin shown here - http://www.csun.edu/~hcfll004/PiusV.html (http://www.csun.edu/~hcfll004/PiusV.html)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/1569popepiusVo.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/1569popepiusVr.jpg)
I love the handwork evident in these pieces.
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/1569popepiusVc.jpg)
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Thanks for the info. on the catalog, I'll have to get one.
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Here is a very interesting piece.
It is apparently a mule striking combining a reverse depicting the Battle of Lepanto against the Turks with an obverse depicting Pope Urban VIII. You will notice the reverse shows a very unusual strike especially when compared with the obverse which shows a very strong/sharp strike. I am not sure of the cause. A couple of coin guys have expressed the thought that it is an electrotype, but I do not see any evidence of the joining along the edge of the 2, the obverse and reverse, if it were an electrotype. It has also been suggested that this might possibly be the result of a heat damaged reverse die that might have been put back into service to strike an extra few pieces. I find this more plausible, but I can not say for sure.
This piece is a white medal, probably gilt-pewter, maybe gilt-tin dated 1571
First a little history :)
The victory at Lepanto is considered the greatest victory in the history of the Post Roman Latin World. All through Italy, Spain and Latin America, this battle is known to almost everyone, just as the Battle of Midway is known to most Americans. The Spanish Empire would after this Battle be considered the preeminent world power. A position it would hold until the collapse of its European Empire in the 1640′s near the end of the 30 years war. The Turks would not threatened Europe again until the 2nd siege of Vienna in 1683, where they met defeat at the hands of the Polish army. The Islamic world has in fact never recovered from this defeat which marked the end of Islamic advances and the rise of the Western world.
The Spanish and their Italian cousins did a great service to western civilization that day. By stopping cold the Turkish Jiahdists, this gave breathing room for other western nations such as the English, Dutch , French and later on America to rise. They had fulfilled their historical mission and saved the west at a critical time.
The Venetians found an ally in Pope Pius V who declared the campaign against the Turks a holy war and immediately asked all Christians to act united. Letters were sent as far as Poland and Russia, the French king and the Archduke of Austria were asked for support – but the only one who fell into line with the Holy League was Charles V of Spain.
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/831_cce43881.jpg)(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/832_d0560c25.jpg)
Pius V, 1566-1572. Bronze medal to the victory of Lepanto.
Hence, on October 7th, 1571, 208 Christian galleys met 250 Turkish ships. That moment of the battle is shown on this medal. The Christian fleet comes from the left. The wind swells the canvas and the central ship depicted in the medal’s middle, carries the personification of the faith which holds a cross in the right and the chalice of the Last Supper in the left. Above God the Father is watching the scene – but he is no passive viewer, he actively intervenes. His hands send out beams hitting the enemy ships that consequently sink in heaving sea. The Latin legend interprets the scene: your right, o Lord, has hit the enemy. The battle took place 63 km west of the city of Lepanto; the medallist, however, did not bother with such geographic details: he depicts the circular harbour basin of Lepanto in the background.
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/833_406d1792.jpg)
Today's view of the Bay of Lepanto.
It is bounded by two impressive corner towers still accessible to the visitor. Some small figures stand to the right on the waterfront and watch the events, terrified.
The Christians’ victory was nothing less than a triumph: after a fierce three-hour combat, 80 galleys of the Turks were scuttled, 130 were captured, and only 40 managed to escape. Lepanto was the last old-style naval battle. Although the canon had long since been invented, and ships carrying that weapon on behalf of Portugal, England and the Netherlands controlled the seven seas, Don John of Austria more or less abandoned that new technology. Outdated and outmoded Spain still clung to the “gentlemanly” art of ramming and scuttling by using a prow, a procedure introduced long ago by the Greeks into the battle at sea. Fortunately, the Ottomans did not master the new technology, either. Otherwise, the Battle of Lepanto would have witness quite a different outcome.
Here is my piece which shows signs if gilding, mostly worn off:
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/PopeUrbanVIIItinobv.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/PopeUrbanVIIItinrev.jpg)
Here is an image of a cleaner striking from this reverse die to show an image of a clean strike on what appears to be gilt-bronze.
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/image01051ag.jpg)
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Thanks for posting this new one. It is very interesting.
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Here is another 1575 Pope Gregory XIII medal to compliment the first medal I posted in this thread.
This is a piece in bronze, the first was a piece in copper. It also celebrates the Anno Santo/Holy Year celebration.
I really like this one.
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/PopeGregoryX111Bobv.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/PopeGregoryX111Brev.jpg)
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I do like the rev. design on this one.
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This is a large bronze medal, extremely high relief, measuring 40mm.
It depicts Pope Innocent VII (1404-1406) . Only about 4 different designs were produced featuring Pope Innocent VII possibly because of his short tenure before his death in 1406. Pardon the oily look of these pics, but I was trying to remove some surface contamination with oil as I took these pics many years ago. There is a planchet flaw on the reverse, possibly a strike through.
The obverse of this medal depicts Pope Innocent VII and the reverse shows a pyramidal rock with winds blowing on it. Not very much more info is available regarding this piece. CNORP indicates that this medal is part of a series of restoration medals created by St Urbain in the late 17th & early 18th centuries. The medal is not in Mazio since that reference considers the series to officially start with Martin V in 1417. CNORP makes note and provides a list of the earlier restorations, but starts the analysis with Martin as well.
This is the only Innocent VII piece I have ever seen.
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/PopeInnocentVIIobv.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/PopeInnocentVIIrev.jpg)
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Hey guys,
Here is a great example of the detail and craftsmanship in some of these medals.
It is also good to note the difference in a piece like this from approximately the 1870's
to some of the earlier medals shown earlier in this thread. This is a Pope Pius IX showing
Pope Pius IX who was the longest-reigning elected Pope in Church history on the obverse in full tiara.
The tiara is the crown of the papacy. For over a millennium all popes were crowned with a tiara which
is one of the key symbols of the papacy. The reverse depicts Christ talking to the Apostles with the Holy Spirit
symbolized. I am lucky to have such a fine example as this high grade uncirculated piece.
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/PiusIXmedalo-1.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/PiusIXmedalr-1.jpg)
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Thanks for posting this one. I've never seen this one before.
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Here is a neat Papal Medal.
This is a Pope Innocent X medal ( 1644-1655 ).
The obverse shows Pope Innocent facing right with tiara.
The reverse shows a view of the fountain in the Cirque des Agonales.
The Piazza Navona, or "Circo Agonale", occupies the spot where once stood the stadium of Domitian, which held up to 30.000 spectators. Shown is the Fountain of the Four Rivers by Bernini. From the times of Domitian on, the place was used almost exclusively for sports events, including the famous August regatta in which the participants wore the colours of the nobles and the civic clergy. Even now the feast of the Befana (January sixth) is celebrated there with a typical market.
But the real attraction of the square is the famous Fountain of the Four Rivers by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, dated 1651, and thanks to which the artist gained the admiration and protection of the Pope then in office, Innocent X. The rivers represented in the fountain are the Danube, the Ganges, the Nile and the Rio de la Plata. They are arranged on a steep rocky reef from which a Roman obelisk taken from the Circus of Maxentius daringly rises up into the air.
Here is a view as seen today.
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/CircoAgonal.jpg)
Ordered by Innocent X after many intrigues between arch-rivals Bernini and Borromini, this was such an expensive piece of works, taxes had to be levied on bread (which prompted such reactions from the Romans: We need something else than spires and fountains. We want bread: bread, bread, bread).
The church of S. Agnese in Agone, is built on the spot where, according to tradition, the virgin Agnese, denuded before her martyrdom, was mantled in her hair, which had grown miraculously to cover her. It is a magnificent Baroque building designed by G. Rainaldi and Borromini. Beneath it are some remains of the original church and of the Circus of Domitian.
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/PopeInnocentXobv-1.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/PopeInnocentXrev-1.jpg)
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I haven't added to this thread in a while.
Here is a more modern piece. This is a Pope Leo XIII papal medal in silver.
It is struck with the year 1900 in Roman numerals MCM on the reverse. The obverse depicts Pope Leo facing right while the reverse depicts the opening of the holy door in the Anno Santo/Holy Year issue of 1900. As mentioned earlier this occurs once every 25 years on the hundred, 25, 50 and 75th years of each century.
It looks like there was a little indecision on the punching of the reverse lettering and even if the medal was to be struck
with ROMA or ROME. I will have to research this one further or would appreciate if anyone could share some info on this.
Although this one is modern, only a little over 100 years old, I am not sure if the detail is any better on this piece vs a piece hundreds of years older.
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/PopeLeoXIIIobv.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/PopeLeoXIIIrev.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/PopeLeoXIIIlet.jpg)
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While discussing more modern pieces, here is another Anno Santo year Papal medal.
This is Pope Paul VI 1975. This medal is a prooflike silver example with flashing mirrored surfaces and is about the size of a US silver dollar. The obverse depicts Pope Paul VI in full tiara while the reverse depicts another version of the opening of the Holy Door.
I have often felt and said that more modern pieces, whether they be medals or minted coinage, have given up a lot of detail in order to produce dies that will stand up to multiple striking in order to extend the life of the dies and be able to produce more pieces more quickly.
While I see the logic, I mourn the loss of detail and depth of fields these shallower designs offer. This is one of the main reasons my collecting tendencies usually lean toward more classic US coinage as well as classic medals. Just look at the difference in the artistry able to be shown in these 2 renditions of papal tiara's, the Pope Pius piece designed and struck approximately 100 years earlier than the Pope Paul piece.
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/PopePaulVIobv.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/PopePaulVIrev.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/PopePaulVItiara.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/Papalpiusface.jpg)
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I haven't posted to this thread in a while.
Here is a Pope Pius IIII (1560-1565) medal
The obverse shows the Bust of Pius IIII, facing right., bareheaded, wearing cope.
The reverse shows an armed female figure, sometimes identified as Minerva, but probably ROMA, amidst piles of riches and military trophies. This is a Mazio restrike from the late 18th to early 19th century.
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/popepiusobv-2.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/popepiusrev-1.jpg)
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Nice one JRocco. How many Papal Medals do you have :smiley-signs002:
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Thanks Stef.
I believe I have between 30 and 35. A few I have are in SB's that I have yet to image, and I think I have a few more images on discs. Now if I only knew where all those discs are :smack;
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You have one of the most interesting Papal medal collections. I like the history and the knowledge you share with all of us. Thanks.
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Glad NGC got that straightened out John. [url=http://www.freesmileys.or
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Thanks regandon, I really appreciate that.
I am glad also Irvin.
We have to think that we are only a small sliver of the collector base and this hobby will go on long after we are gone. A mistake like NGC made would have consequences for a long time to come and for some potential young collectors to get burned without realizing it. I am glad they are doing the right thing and I hope the word gets out there to collectors of this series before harm is done. I was criticized for starting that post but it would have been wrong for me not to have posted it. Anyone who thinks differently is drinking too much Kool Aid and does not really care about this hobby, or numismatics in general.
Here is a link to the thread if anyone is interested.
http://boards.collectors-society.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=4658726#Post4658726 (http://boards.collectors-society.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=4658726#Post4658726)
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Thanks regandon, I really appreciate that.
I am glad also Irvin.
We have to think that we are only a small sliver of the collector base and this hobby will go on long after we are gone. A mistake like NGC made would have consequences for a long time to come and for some potential young collectors to get burned without realizing it. I am glad they are doing the right thing and I hope the word gets out there to collectors of this series before harm is done. I was criticized for starting that post but it would have been wrong for me not to have posted it. Anyone who thinks differently is drinking too much Kool Aid and does not really care about this hobby, or numismatics in general.
Here is a link to the thread if anyone is interested.
http://boards.collectors-society.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=4658726#Post4658726 (http://boards.collectors-society.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=4658726#Post4658726)
Its true NGC and PCGS gets their labels wrong sometimes. Mostly on World coins and Tokens, British and US tokens.
I think you did the right thing JRocco in posting it on the forum. It does inform the people what is going on and to tell
you the truth since I don't collect them, I would have been fooled!!
The people who say these kind of things would be writing a VERY different story if it was their series or if the collected Papal Medals.
Most of the ones I see there would have been screaming on the top of their lungs and writing all over every forum.
People only care what affects them......their pockets. If its someone else's they don't give a rat's arse >:(
So once again JRocco, I congratulate and commend you for bringing this to everyones attention :ThumbsUp;
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Thank you Stef.
Your words here mean a lot to me. :-*
I did not want to bash NGC as I really think they are a good company, but they did get this one wrong. When a company like NGC or PCGS has so much influence on the market they really need to get things like this right. They have the resources and knowledge available to them to avoid situations like this. It has always been a pet peeve of mine when some board members are so blinded by their desire to brown nose a company, they lose sight of the big picture. Kool Aid is a potent drink when drunk by some who put misplaced brand loyalty before the overall good of the hobby for us and future collectors.
If I wanted to bash NGC I would have posted that on the PCGS boards where quite a few would have put down NGC instead of giving them the chance to do the right thing. I would not post a PM, but NGC sure did step up on this one once they realized their error. They are now doing the right thing.
I can say that I have been contacted by quite a few true numismatists who appreciated the fact that this was brought to the public's attention and not just handled via PM's and let me say once again - I am really pleased that NGC did not bury this but instead acted in the collectors interest and did the right thing. It is not always easy to admit a mistake, especially on a public forum by such a strong company. I have a new found respect for NGC and am certain that they will have a strong presence in numismatics going forward because they do take pride in their company and are willing to put the hobby before their bottom line.
Thanks Stef and thank you NGC.
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I was just looking back on some older posts and pulled up this one. I really have to image a few more medals next time I dig them out of the safe box. I did find some old pics of my 1900 Pope Leo XIII medal that I haven't posted.
Pope Leo XIII was the 256th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church and reigned from 1878 till his death in 1903. He is best known for his strong social stances, his intelligence and his teachings as seen in his encyclical Rerum Novarum that addressed the conditions of the working class titled “Rights and Duties of Capital and Labour”
Let me quote directly:
“Let the working man and the employer make free agreements, and in particular let them agree freely as to the wages; nevertheless, there underlies a dictate of natural justice more imperious and ancient than any bargain between man and man, namely, that wages ought not to be insufficient to support a frugal and well-behaved wage-earner. If through necessity or fear of a worse evil the workman accept harder conditions because an employer or contractor will afford him no better, he is made the victim of force and injustice.”
If you might be interested, please check this page for more detail on Pope Leo's writings:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rerum_Novarum (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rerum_Novarum)
But talk about something that can really choke you up please take a minute to see this youtube video of Pope Leo himself. Now in the time frame we have discussed in this thread, Pope Leo can almost be called "modern" when one considers he is the 256'th Pope with his reign continuing into the early 20th Century. What I wouldn't give to see video of some of the other Pope's we have discussed earlier. Goose bumps for sure.
First footage and audio of a pope - Leo XIII (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFUMb0I4vIU#)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/PopeLeoXIIIobv1.jpg)
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/JRocco1/PopeLeoXIIIrev1.jpg)