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1585-90 Pope Sixtus V Vatican Bronze Medal Nude Security Contemplating Arrow AU+

  • $ 277.77


Description: A beautiful and rather scarce bronze medal issued by the Vatican. This is a 19th century restrike of a papal state bronze medal issued during the times of Pope Sixtus or Sisto V. Sixtus V was pope in the period 1585-1590. The medal shows the image of the bust of Pope Sixtus V facing right on the obverse. He is wearing a light head dress and there is the legend ""SIXTVS.V.PONT.OPT.MAX." surrounding the pope's bust along the edge of the medal. The reverse shows the image of the allegorical figure of Security in the form of a nude woman, seated and reclining on elaborate chair, undraped, contemplating a spear; a table at her left. There is the legend "• SECVRITAS • POPVLI • ROMANI •" surrounding the figure along the edge of the medal. Both obverse and reverse have hashed borders. The edge of the medal is flat, smooth, and has no markings. A beautiful early later restrike (most likely mid to late 1800s) papal medal. The medal is nicely toned and is much darker coloring than the photos suggest. It has chocolate toning with very nice eye appeal. 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 was originally issued in the period 1585-1590 and is undated. This restrike was done most likely in mid to late 1800s.

Origin: Vatican.

Artist: Unknown.

Weight and Size: The medal weighs ~19.6 grams, is ~34.5 millimeters in diameter, and ~2 millimeters thick at the edge.

Maker: Struck by the Mint of Rome.

Marks: Unmarked.

Reference: Lincoln 758 and is not listed in Mazio.

Condition: The medal is in what I would characterize as about uncirculated condition with nice brown toning. The medal shows minimum wear to the high points with no appreciable scratching and minimum marking to the surface. A nice restrike medal from the late 1800s, which would make a great addition to your collection of Papal medals. Please view photos for additional condition information and to appreciate the beauty of the piece.

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