1909 Silver Medal Pope Pius IX AN VII Opening of Vatican Art Gallery By Bianchi
Description: A beautiful silver papal annual medal commemorating the inauguration of the new building in the Vatican Art or Picture Gallery in 1909. This is the year 7 of pope Pius' papacy annual medal and is listed in Piero De Luca's book as number 20. The obverse, which is signed Bianchi, depicts the bust of the pope Pius X facing left with the legend "PIVS.X.PONT.MAX.AN.VII" along the edge. The obverse has the inscription "BIANCHI" below the pontiff's bust. The reverse has a nice architectural rendition of the Vatican Art or picture Gallery. This rendition is reminiscent of the work of the famous Belgian Medalist Jacques Wiener. The architectural rendition on the reverse is nicely detailed and shows pictures hanging on the walls and the hallway leading to other chambers in the gallery. There is the inscription "PINACTHECAE.VAT;NOVA.SEDES;DATA" in three lines in exergue. The medal weighs ~37.6 grams and measures ~44 mm in diameter. The medal has a plain edge with no markings. This is a beautiful medal with a nice portrait of the Pontiff and a great architectural rendition on the reverse. Please carefully review the photos presented as they are part and parcel of our description.
Date: 1909 Anno VII for pope Pius X (year seven of his papacy).
Mint: Rome.
Size and weight: The Medal weighs ~37.6 grams and measures ~44 mm in diameter.
References: De Luca 20 and Mazio 869.
Condition: I would grade the medal as uncirculated condition with no observable wear and great eye appeal. The medal is toned on the reverse and along the edge of the obverse. It does have some minor blemishes but is in a well preserved sate. The details of the medal are extremely well expressed and preserved. The medal has a nice portrait of the Pontiff with no observable wear and great preservation of the details. The details of the architectural rendition of the picture gallery are also very well preserved and look great. A beautiful medal which is over 100 years old and in great condition. It would make a nice addition to your collection. Please see photo for additional condition information.
