Vatican Bronze Medal Pope Sixtus V Anno III Virgin & Child Early Restrike AU+
Description: A beautiful and rather scarce bronze medal issued by the Vatican. This is an 18the century restrike of a papal state bronze medal issued during the times of Pope Sixtus or Sisto V. The medal shows the image of the bust of Pope Sixtus V facing right on the obverse. Sixtus V was pope in the period 1585-1590. The reverse shows the images of the Virgin Mary with Child in her arm. She is surrounded by St. Laurence & St. John and a third figure which is unidentified. The obverse shows the bust of the pope wearing a decorated collar facing right with the inscription "SIXTVS.V.PONT.MAX.ANN.III" along the edge surrounding the pontiff's bust. The reverse has a legend "CVRA PONTIFICIA" surrounding the image of the Virgin and child with the saints looking. Both obverse and reverse have beaded borders. The edge of the medal is rounded, smooth, and has no markings. A beautiful early restrike (most likely mid to late 1700s) papal medal. The medal is nicely toned and is much darker coloring than the photos suggest, It has chocolate toning with very nice eye appeal. A 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: The medal was originally issued in 1587, the third year of pope Sixtus V reign. This restrike was done most likely in mid to late 1700s.
Origin: Vatican.
Artist: Unknown.
Weight and Size: The medal weighs ~18.1 grams, is ~33.5 millimeters in diameter, and ~2 millimeters thick at the edge.
Maker: Struck by the Mint of Rome.
Marks: Unmarked.
Reference: Lincoln 779 and Mazio 138.
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 what I would characterize as about uncirculated condition with nice brown toning. The medal shows minimum wear to the high points with no appreciable scratching and minimum marking to the surface. A nice medal, which would make a great addition to your collection. Please view photos for additional condition information and to appreciate the beauty of the piece.
