The Suppression of the Jesuit Order

261, Lot: 506. Estimate $200. Sold for $280. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

ITALY, Papale (Stato pontificio). Clement XIV (Giovanni Vincenzo Antonio Ganganelli). 1769-1774. AR Medal (45mm, 21.82 g, 12h). Dated 1773 in Roman numerals. CLEMENS XIV PONTIF · MAX ·, but right, wearing zucchetto and mozzeta, raising hand in benediction / NVNQVAM NOVI VOS DISCEDITE A ME OMNES, Christ, Ss. Pietro and Paulo, driving away three Jesuits; EX AVG · SOC · IESV MEMOR ·/ MDCCLXXIII/ PS · CXVII 23 · in exergue. Mazio -; Lincoln 1929. Near EF, toned.

Ex Michael Hall Collection.

Initially founded to counter the Protestant Reformation, the Society of Jesus soon grew extremely powerful. In Europe, their capacity as Papal agents garnered them great influence at court, while missionary activities from China to the New World helped generate wealth for the order. Secular authorities were particularly jealous of their power. Many viewed the Jesuits as meddling interlopers sent from Rome to undermine local authority. By 1767, the Bourbon courts of Europe had expelled the Society from their lands. To appease the monarchs, Pope Clement XIV officially suppressed the order in 1773.