1877 Small Bronze Medal Vatican/Papal State Commemorating The 50th Anniversary of the Consecration of Pope Pius IX
Description: A nice small bronze medal with a loop for hanging, issued by the Vatican in 1877 to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of his Episcopal consecration. Pope Pius IX was the longest-reigning elected pope in the history of the Catholic Church. Pius IX was ordained as pope in June 1846 and remained pope until his death in February 1878, a 31 year long papacy. The medal, which was designed by Bianchi, shows the robed bust of Pius IX facing left in high relief on the obverse with the legend "PAVIS.IX.PONT.MAX." surrounding it and the word "BIANCHI" below it. The reverse shows the papal symbols including two crowns resting on a pillow, staff and cross with a radiant flying eagle/dove? above and the legend "EPISCOPATVS.AN.L.PONTIFICATVS.MAXIMI.XXXI." surrounding the design. The medal has a loop on top for hanging. The design is in high relief especially on the obverse. It is nicely toned and has great eye appeal. The edge of the medal is plain and unmarked. It is 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: 1877.
Origin: Vatican or Papal/Roman States.
Artist: Bianchi.
Weight and Size: The medal weighs ~12 grams, is ~29.5 millimeters in diameter, and ~3 millimeters thick at the edge.
Maker: Unknown.
Marks: BIANCHI below the pope's bust on the obverse. Reference: We were unable to identify a reference for this medal either online or in our library.
Condition: The medal is in about uncirculated condition or much better. The medal has minimum wear to the high point, no appreciable scratching or dings to the surface. The edge of the medal is plain and 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 great historic Catholic piece to add to your collection. Please view photos for additional condition information and to appreciate the beauty of the piece.
