Vatican Copper/Bronze Medal Pope Alexander VII Year 12 St. Peter Gasparo Morone
Description: A nice papal states copper or bronze (cannot tell) medal with the image of the bust of Pope Alexander VII facing left on the obverse. Alexander VII was pope in the period 1655-1667. The reverse shows the images of St. Peter Cathedral in Rome with the colonnade in front. The obverse of the medal has the legend "ALEXAN.VII.PONT.MAX.A.XII" surrounding the pope's bust along the edge. The reverse has the legend "VATICANI TEMPLI/AREA PORTICIBVS/ORNATA" in exergue. There is also the legend "EVNDAMENTA EIVS IN MONTIEVS SANCTIS" in small letters along the edge above the cathedral. The medal is in high relief and has a nice patina, which is rubbed of at a few of the high points showing the brilliant metal below. An interesting medal that is nicely toned with very nice eye appeal. The edge of the medal, which is nicely rounded, is plain and unmarked. A handsome 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: Anno XII of Alexander VII papacy is 1666-1667. However, the date this medal was made is unknown.
Origin: Vatican or Papal/Roman States.
Artist: Gasparo Morone.
Weight and Size: The medal weighs ~37.5 grams, is ~40 millimeters in diameter, and ~3 millimeters thick at the edge.
Maker: Unknown.
Marks: Has the initials G.M. below the bust on the obverse for Gasparo Morone.
Reference: Mazio 276 and Lincoln 1234.
Condition: I would grade this medal as extremely fine to about uncirculated or better. The medal shows minimum wear, some scratching, and a minimum marking to the surface. The medal is in high relief and has a nice patina, which is rubbed of at a few of the high points showing the brilliant metal below. The edge of the medal is plain and is unmarked. A beautiful 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.
