1960 Silver Papal Medal John 23 Year 2 Consecrating Missionary Bishops Mistruzzi

Description: A nice silver medal issued by the Vatican/Rome Mint in 1960 to commemorate the 2nd year of pope John XXIII papacy. The high relief medal shows the bust of pope John XXIII facing right on the obverse with the legend "IOHANNES • XXIII • PONTIFEX • MAXIMVS • ANNO • II" surrounding it and having the name "MISTRUZZI" at the bottom of the pope’s bust. The medal was designed by Aurelio Mistruzzi. The reverse shows the image of the pope sitting on his throne and bishops on both sides that will be consecrated. The image has been described as follows on the website of the California State University of Northridge "Three newly consecrated bishops seated before the altar of the Sistine Chapel, being presented with their croizers by bishops (at right) in the presence of Pope John, seated at the left on his throne, attended by two bishops-coconsecrators. May 8, 1960." There is the legend "MISSIONALIS • ORBIS • EPISCOPOS" above the image and the legend "POSTRID • NON • MAI • MCMLX CONSECRAVIT" in exergue below the image. The medal is nicely toned and has great eye appeal. The edge of the medal is plain and unmarked. It comes in the original presentation box which is a bit soiled. 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: 1960.

Origin: Vatican.

Artist: Aurelio Mistruzzi.

Weight and Size: The medal weighs ~38.2 grams, is ~44 millimeters in diameter, and ~3 millimeters thick at the edge.

Maker: Struck by the Mint of Rome.

Marks: MISTRUZZI on the bottom of the pope's bust on obverse.

Reference: De Luca 255.

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. I would grade the medal is in choice about uncirculated or much better. The medal has minimum wear, if any, and a few minor scratches and uneven toning with some soiling. 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. The presentation box is still intact, properly locks and the hinge works well. However, the box is soiled and has a few scratches along the edges. Be that as it may, this is 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.