1896 Silver Medal Pope Leo 13 AN XIX Bianchi Church Unity One Fold One Shepherd
Description: A nice mint state (MS 62) silver medal issued by the Vatican in 1896. This is the annual medal for year 19 (XIX) of pope Leo the 13th as a pope. The high relief medal shows the bust of pope Leo XIII facing left on the obverse with the legend "LEO XIII.PONT.MAX.AN.XIX" surrounding it. The medal was designed by Bianchi. The reverse of the medal shows the image Christ on clouds with his left foot on the Globe and men looking at him. Jesus has a banner reading VNVS | DOM | IN | VS. The inscription is from John 10. 16. The reverse also has the inscription FIET.VNVM.OVILE.ET.VNVSPASTOR (translating to One Fold One Shepherd). There is also the date MDCCCXCVI (1896) in exergue. The medal is lightly toned and has great eye appeal. It is graded by NGC as Mint State MS62 and comes in a plastic holder so labeled. A truly 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: 1896.
Origin: Vatican or Papal/Roman States.
Artist: Francesco Bianchi.
Weight and Size: Silver medal, should weight about 35 grams and is about ~43 millimeters in diameter.
Maker: Struck by the Mint of Rome.
Marks: BIANCHI on the bottom of the obverse.
Reference: Mazio 836.
Condition: The medal is in uncirculated condition and graded MS62 by NGC. It comes in a plastic holder sol labeled. The medal has no observable wear, and minimum surface marks. It is lightly toned and has great eye appeal. A great historic Catholic piece to add to your collection. Please view photos for additional condition information and to appreciate the beauty of the piece.
