1788 Vatican Bronze Medal Pope Pius VI AN XIV Reclining Nude Opening Via Appia
Description: A nice papal states bronze medal with the image of the bust of Pope Pius VI who was pope in the period 1775-1799 on the obverse. The medal is the annual medal for the 14th year of the pope's reign. It was issued to commemorate the restoration of the Via Appia Antica. The obverse shows the bust of the pope facing right with the inscription "PIVS•SEXTVS P• M | A • SACR(i) • PRINCIP(is) • XIV•" surrounding the pontiff’s bust along the edge. There is also the text "G •HAM•F" beneath the pope's bust. The reverse shows the nude female figure of the Via Appia, reclining against a milestone, her left hand upon a wheel, a cornucopia in her right with the legend "VIA • ALBAN • VELIT • AP(pia) • AD • POMPT • RESTIT(uta)" surrounding the image along the edge. The date “AN. MDCCLXXXVIII” is shown in exergue. The medal is in toned very fine condition with general wear and having nice eye appeal. The medal has a plain edge. A nice-looking medal, which would make a worthy addition to any collection. Please carefully review the photos as they are part and parcel of our description.
Date: The medal is dated 1788.
Origin: Vatican City.
Artist: G. Hameroni.
Weight and Size: The medal weigh ~31 grams and is ~40 millimeters in diameter.
Maker: Unknown.
Marks: Unmarked.
Reference: Lincoln 1977 and Mazio 529.
Condition: I would grade the medal as darkly toned very fine with some many spots in the field of the obverse. The reverse is rather dark and shows wear to some of the high point by loss of the toning especially in the woman's hair and the fruits falling out of the cornucopia. A nice historic Catholic piece to add to your collection. Please view photos for additional condition information and to appreciate the beauty of the piece.
