ITALY, Papal (Papal state). Pius IX. 1846-1878. Æ Medal (83mm, 278.8 g, 12h). Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. By Bianchi. Dated 4 December 1854.

Electronic Auction 498
Lot: 595. Estimated: $ 200

World Medals, Bronze

Sold For $ 800. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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ITALY, Papal (Papal state). Pius IX. 1846-1878. Æ Medal (83mm, 278.8 g, 12h). Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. By Bianchi. Dated 4 December 1854. PIVS IX · PONT · MAX ·, bust left, wearing zucchetto, mozzetta, and mantum / * PIVS · IX · P · M · BASILICAM · PAVLI · APOST · AB INCENDIO · REFECTAM · SOLEMNI · RITV · CONSECRAVIT · IV · ID · DEC · MDCCCLIV, interior view of the basilica. Mazio 731. Brown surfaces, scattered marks. Near EF.

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.

Closing Date and Time: 18 August 2021 at 13:18:00 ET.

All winning bids are subject to an 18% buyer’s fee.