1921 Vatican Silver Medal Pope Benedict XV Anno VII Saints Ephrem & Jerome MIB
Description: A nice papal silver medal with the image of the bust of Pope Benedict XV on the obverse. Benedict XV was pope in the period 1914-1922. This the 7th year issue papal medal proclaiming St. Ephrem and St. Jerome as masters of the holy scriptures. The reverse shows the images of St. Jerome seated to the right with a book on his knees looking at St. Ephrem on the left who is reading. The Holy Ghost is above in the center with sunbeams coming down on the two saints. The obverse shows the bust of the pope facing left with the inscription "BENEDICTVS • XV • PONT • | MAX • A • VIIO •" along the edge surrounding the pontiff's bust with the name of the engraver MISTRUZZI below the bust. The reverse has the legend "DOCTORVM • SCRIPTURAE • DUX • CELEBRATVS" along the edge with the inscription "NUMERVS • ACTUS | ANNO • MCMXX" in exergue. The medal is lightly toned especially along the edge and on the high points of the obverse. The medal has very nice eye appeal. The edge of the medal is plain and unmarked. The medal comes in the original issue box which has a hinged lid, is velour lined, and is in good condition with normal surface wear, rubbings, and a spot of liquid damage on the back as well as a small hole (see last photo). Be that as it may, the medal itself is in mint state condition with no observable wear. This medal represents the last annual medal issued by pope Benedict XV. This is a great-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: 1921.
Origin: Vatican City, Italy.
Artist: Mistruzzi.
Weight and Size: The medal weighs ~35.6 grams, is ~44 millimeters in diameter, and ~3 millimeters thick at the edge.
Maker: Struck by the Mint of Rome.
Marks: Marked MISTRUZZI below the pope's bust on the obverse. Reference: De Luca No. 61 with rarity index R, Rinaldi-115, Modesti 389, and Mazio 880.
Condition: I would grade the medal as mint state uncirculated with no observable wear and lightly toned on the obverse. The edge of the medal is plain and is unmarked. The medal comes in the original issue red and gold box. The box, which has a hinged lid, is velour lined, and is in good condition with normal surface wear, rubbings, and a spot of liquid damage on the back as well as a small hole (see last photo). The velour in the interior is intact but faded and the silk strip that is used to pull out the medal has lost a portion of it and is short with a frayed end, but still works. This medal represents the last annual medal issued by pope Benedict XV. A nice fairly rare historic Catholic piece to add to your collection. Please view photos for additional condition information and to appreciate the beauty of the piece.
