Beautiful Vatican Bronze Medal Pope Julius III Bust Right Hilaritas Publica Standing Holy Year 1550 Official 18th Century Restrike
Description: A scarce early official restrike (18th century) papal states bronze medal with the image of the bust of Pope Julius III on the obverse. Julius III was pope in the period 1550-1555. The reverse shows the images of a slender tall woman in see-through dress holding a cornucopia in one hand and a long branch in the other. The obverse shows the bust of the pope wearing a cope and decorated collar facing right with the inscription "JVLIVS*III*PONT*MAXAN*IVBILIE. along the edge surrounding the pontiff's bust. The reverse has a legend "HILARITAS*PVBLICA" which translates to “Public Happiness or Cheerfulness”. The medal was issued for the Holy Year 1550. A beautiful and fairly unusual artistic design for papal medals. A very scarce official re-strike from the 18th century. The medal is nicely toned in a rich brown coloring with very nice eye appeal. The edge of the medal is plain and unmarked. This is a rare 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: Medal was most likely struck in the mid 1700's.
Origin: Vatican or Papal/Roman States.
Artist: Uncertain but possibly by Giovanni da Cavino.
Weight and Size: The medal weighs ~41.8 grams, is ~45 millimeters in diameter, and ~3 millimeters thick at the edge.
Maker: Struck by the Mint of Rome.
Marks: Unmarked.
Reference: Mazio 62 and Lincoln 522.
Condition: For international buyers, please note that the new US postal rates for overseas shipping are very high and we are unable to change them. Additional charges will be incurred depending on the value of the item. Please check the cost of shipping before bidding. The medal is in about uncirculated or better condition. The medal shows minimum wear if any to the high point, some scratching and a minimum marking to the surface with a few dark spots. These are minor and do not distract from the medal's beauty. The edge of the medal is plain and is unmarked. It would make a great addition to your collection. Please view photos for additional condition information and to appreciate the beauty of the piece.
