19th Century Restrike Papal State Bronze Medal Recognizing the Generosity of Pope Leo X
Description: A nice about uncirculated or better medal struck by the Vatican in 1800s. This medal is an official restrike done at the Rome Italy mint of a mid-1600s medal issued during the times of pope Innocent X to remember the generosity of Pope Leo X (1513-1521) to the arts. The high relief medal shows the bust of pope Leo X facing right on the obverse with the legend "LEO.X.PONTIFEX.MAX." surrounding it. The reverse of the medal shows the image of a woman (Allegorical figure of generosity) standing and facing left with a cornucopia having generosity pouring out of it. There are crowns in front and musical instruments behind as well as olive and palm branches in exergue. The reverse has the legend "LIBERALITAS.PONTIFICIA" along the edge above the image. The entire image is enclosed in a circle formed by dots. The medal has the rounded plain edge. The medal is nicely toned and has good eye appeal. The obverse shows a die crack, which can be seen extending from about 3 o'clock inwards at a rising angle to the pontiff’s face. This same crack can be seen in the image of the medal in Mazio and on Numista. A truly interesting, which would make a worthy addition to any collection. Please carefully review the photos as they are part and parcel of our description.
Date: 1800s.
Origin: Vatican or Papal/Roman States.
Artist: Unknown.
Weight and Size: Bronze medal ~41.5 millimeters in diameter and weighs ~34.5 gm.
Maker: Struck by the Mint of Rome.
Marks: Unmarked as to the artist.
Reference: Mazio 39, Lincoln 444-445, and Numista N#118539 (for the smaller size version).
Condition: This is an 1800s official restrike of the medal issued in the mid 1600 by pope Innocent X to commemorate the generosity of Pope Leo X. I would grade the medal, which is known as Leo X Liberalitas Pontificia, as about uncirculated with a die crack reflected on the obverse. The crack shows up at about 3 o'clock inwards at a rising angle to the pontiff’s face. This same crack can be seen in the image of the medal in Mazio and on Numista. The medal shows light even ware, soiling, scratches to the surface, and some blemishes here and there. It is darkly toned especially on the reverse but shows nice eye appeal. A great historic Catholic piece to add to your collection. Please view photos for additional condition information and to appreciate the beauty of the piece.
