Rare 1650 Vatican Medal Innocent X Ann VII Closing the Holy Door Ceremony
Description: A rare, restrike from original dies, papal states bronze medal with the image of the bust of Pope Innocent X on the obverse. Innocent X was pope in the period 1644-1655. The obverse shows the bust of pope Innocent X facing right. The reverse shows the image of the pope and many cardinals closing the holy door in the Papal Basilica in Rome. Year VII of pope Innocent papacy the Jubilee or Holy year. The obverse shows the bust of the pope facing right with the inscription "INNOCEN.X.PONT.MAX.A.VII" along the edge surrounding the pontiff's bust with the initials of the engraver G.M. (for Gaspare Mola) below the bust. The reverse shows the Holy Door with the pope holding a brick with mortar at his feet surrounded by cardinals as he is closing the Holy Door and having the legend "LAVDENTIN PORTIS EIVS" in exergue. A beautiful and very well done design makes for an interesting re-strike. The medal is nicely toned in a rich dark brown coloring with very nice eye appeal. The edge of the medal is plain, unmarked, and rounded suggesting that this is an early restrike. This is a rare 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: Medal is dated 1650 was most likely re-struck in the early to mid 1700s.
Origin: Vatican or Papal/Roman States.
Artist: Gaspare Mola.
Weight and Size: The medal weighs ~15.5 grams, is ~30.5 millimeters in diameter, and ~2 millimeters thick at the edge.
Maker: Struck by the Mint of Rome.
Marks: Marked G.M. below the pope's bust on the obverse.
Reference: Lincoln No. 1120/1121 and is listed by Mazio as 236.
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 about uncirculated or much better condition. The medal shows minimum wear if any to the high point, some scratching and a few minor surface marks. These are minor and do not distract from the medal's beauty. The edge of the medal is plain, is unmarked, and rounded. A nice rare re-strike combining two beautiful historic Catholic pieces. It would make a great addition to your collection. Please view photos for additional condition information and to appreciate the beauty of the piece.
