1911 Silver Medal Pope Pius IX AN VIII Opening of Vatican Observatory By Bianchi
Description: A beautiful silver papal annual medal commemorating the inauguration of the new Vatican Observatory in 1911. This is the year 8 of pope Pius' papacy annual medal and is listed in Piero De Luca's book as number 23. The obverse, which is signed Bianchi, depicts the bust of the pope Pius X facing right with the legend "PIVS.X.PONT.MAX.AN.VIII" along the edge. The obverse has the inscription "BIANCHI" below the pontiff's bust. The reverse has image of a seated woman with books at her feet and what appears to be a celestial globe to her right. The woman is looking towards the sky while pointing with her right hand at the new observatory building. There is the inscription "AMPLIOREM.IN.HORTIS.VAT/MIHI.SEDEM.ADORNAVIT" in tow lines above the woman and the date MDCCCCXI in exergue. The medal weighs ~35.3 grams and measures ~43.5 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 nice image on the reverse. It is darkly toned and shows no wear. Please carefully review the photos presented as they are part and parcel of our description.
Date: 1911 Anno VIII for pope Pius X (year eight of his papacy).
Mint: Rome. Size and weight: The Medal weighs ~35.3 grams and measures ~43.5 mm in diameter.
References: De Luca 23 and Mazio 870.
Condition: I would grade the medal as uncirculated condition with no observable wear and nice eye appeal. The medal is darkly toned on the reverse and along the edge of the obverse. It does have some minor blemishes but is in a well-preserved state. 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 image on the reverse 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.
