1866-67 Vatican Bronze Medal Pope Pius IX Bust Opening Psychiatric Clinic AN XXI
Description: A beautiful bronze medal issued by the Vatican. This is the medal commemorating the opening of the psychiatric clinic. Pius IX was pope in the period 1846-1878. This papal state bronze medal has the image of the bust of Pope Pius IX wearing zucchetto, mozzetta and stole while facing left on the obverse. The reverse shows the images of a large building with many windows and a tower at the far end. The medal commemorates the opening of the psychiatric clinic that was built during Pius IX reign. The has the inscription "PIVS.IX,PONT.MAXAN.XXI" along the edge surrounding the pontiff's bust and the name "I.BIANCHI.S" in raised lettering under it. The reverse has a legend "HOSPITIVM.DEMENTIBVS.CVRAND.COMMODIVS.INSTAVRATVM.AMPLIATVM" in three lines in exergue. A beautiful original papal medal. The medal is nicely toned, is much darker than the photos suggest having chocolate tones with very nice eye appeal. The medal does have scattered tiny flecks throughout, which can be seen in the photos. These we believe are original to the making of the medal. The edge of the medal is plain. 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: 1866-1867.
Origin: Vatican.
Artist: Engraver: Ignazio Bianchi.
Weight and Size: The medal weighs ~33.5 grams, is ~44 millimeters in diameter, and ~3.5 millimeters thick at the edge.
Maker: Struck by the Mint of Rome.
Marks: Has the name "I.BIANCHI.S" under the pope's bust on the obverse.
Reference: Listed as Mazio No. 743.
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 what I would characterize as XF+ condition with dark toning. It is much darker than the photos suggest having chocolate tones with very nice eye appeal. The medal does have scattered tiny flecks throughout, which can be seen in the photos. The medal shows some wear, but no appreciable scratching and minimum marking to the surface (except for the darker flecks. A nice medal, which would make a great addition to your collection. Please view photos for additional condition information and to appreciate the beauty of the piece.
