Italy Papal States, Pius IX Medal, The Reconstruction of the Basilica of St. Paul Outside-the-Walls 1854, struck in Copper by Ignazio Bianchi Exceptional and Rare

ITALY, Papal (Papal state). Pius IX. 1846-1878. Æ Medal

Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. By Bianchi. Dated 4 December 1854.

obv. PIVS IX · PONT · MAX ·, bust left, wearing zucchetto, mozzetta, and mantum

rev. * PIVS · IX · P · M · BASILICAM · PAVLI · APOST · AB INCENDIO · REFECTAM · SOLEMNI · RITV · CONSECRAVIT · IV · ID · DEC · MDCCCLIV, interior view of the basilica

80mm

263.68g

Mazio 731.

The large format medal is an exceptional example of Papal artistry, and a paragon of sculptural and medallic art. The incuse center of the reverse descends 8mm from the rim, rendering actual space to heighten the perspective. To compensate for the pitfalls of such a high-relief medal, the die is aligned such that the negative space of the reverse corresponds exactly with the high-point of the obverse bust. The reverse is accurate down to the molding and hints at parietal inscriptions, the end of the transept is rendered in sharp, fine detail.

Good Extremely Fine – Exceptional and rare