Rare 1650 Vatican Bronze Medal Pope Innocent X Anno VI Holy Door Within Wreath
Description: A rare, restrike from original dies (this medal was struck using the obverse of the Anno VI medal and the reverse of the Anno VII medal), papal states bronze medal with the image of the bust of Pope Innocent X on the obverse. Innocent X was pope in the period 1644-1655. This the 6th year issue papal medal obverse. The reverse shows the images of the Holy Door ( commemorating the opening of the Holy Door for the Jubilee or Holy year in Anno VII) in the Papal Basilica in Rome. The obverse, which is listed in Mazio as 230, shows the bust of the pope facing right with the inscription "INNOCEN.X.PON.MAX.A.VI" along the edge surrounding the pontiff's bust with the initials of the engraver G.M. (for Gaspare Mola) below the bust. The reverse, which is listed in Mazio as 235, shows the Holy Door splitting the date (MDCL) within a wreath with the holy spirit inside it and the Virgin Mary holding Baby Jesus above it. This beautiful design is surrounded by the legend "ETPORTAE CAELI APERTAE SVNT" along the edge with the inscription "ROMA" in exergue. An interesting and rare re-strike. 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 is dated 1650 was most likely re-struck in the mid 1800's.
Origin: Vatican or Papal/Roman States.
Artist: Gaspare Mola.
Weight and Size: The medal weighs ~21.7 grams, is ~39 millimeters in diameter, and ~2 millimeters thick at the edge.
Maker: Struck by the Mint of Rome.
Marks: Marked G.M. below the pope's bust on the obverse.
Reference: Lincoln No. 1117 and interestingly the Obverse is that of Mazio 230 with the reverse being Mazio 235.
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 extremely fine to about uncirculated or better condition. The medal shows minimum wear if any to the high point, some scratching and a few dings to the surface. The edge of the medal is plain and is unmarked. It has some minor scratches to the surface and some minor dings to the edge. These are minor and do not distract from the medal's beauty. A nice rare re-strike combining two beautiful historic Catholic pieces. It would make a great addition to your collection. Please view photos for additional condition information and to appreciate the beauty of the piece.
