Papal State Bronze Medal Pope Paul IV Christ Healing the Many Sick G. Bonzaqngi
Description: A beautiful about uncirculated and fairly uncommon Papal State bronze medal. The medal is an early restrike (probably 18th century or earlier) of a medal designed by Gianfederico Bonzaqngi in the period 1555-1559 during the papacy of Paul IV. The medal which is not dated, shows Pope Paul IV facing left on the obverse with the legend "PAVLVS.IIII.PONT.OPT.M" surrounding the bust along the edge. The reverse shows an image of Christ standing with many sick people in front of him kneeling, bowing and pointing with the legend "NE.DETERIVS.VOBIS.CONTINGAT" (which translates to Christ healing many sick) surrounding the image along the edge. The medal was supposedly struck to show the English people that unless they return to the church of Rome, great troubles will fall on them. The scene on the reverse appears to be a rather common theme which we found on many later papal medals during our research. Our research only revealed one reference for this medal, Lincoln 577. The medal weigh ~16.6 grams and measures ~33 mm in diameter and was designed by Gianfederico Bonzaqngi as engraver. This is a beautiful nicely toned with rich brown coloring medal having a nice portrait of the Pontiff. Please carefully review the photos presented as they are part and parcel of our description.
Date: Medal is not dated but we believe it is an early restrike (possibly mid 18th to early 19th century) The original was struck in 1555-1559 during the papacy of Paul IV.
Mint: Papal State in Rome.
Size and weight: The Medal weighs ~16.6 gm and measures ~33 mm in diameter. References: Lincoln 577.
Condition: I would grade the medal about uncirculated with a nice dark brown toning and great eye appeal. The medal has minimum wear and is darkly toned on both obverse and reverse in a rich brown coloring. The field on both sides of the medal are clean, clear with minimum surface marks. The details of the scene on the reverse including the details of Christ and the sick are very well preserved and look great. A beautiful uncommon and hard to find medal which is over 200 years old and still in great condition. It would make a nice addition to your collection. Please see photo for additional condition information.
