Old Pope Pius IX medal, vintage retro religious medal

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This antique medal features the profile of a pope, recognizable by his tiara and liturgical vestments, in a classic figurative style. The visible inscription on the border reads "PIVS IX PON", which corresponds to Pius IX, a 19th-century pope. The medal displays a finish that evokes the appearance of patinated metal, with a dominant silver or dull gray color and age-related signs of wear. The relief of the portrait remains well-defined, despite some oxidation and rubbing marks on the raised parts.

The edge of the medal has a finely serrated border, typical of 19th-century minting. The details of the face, tiara, and vestments are faithfully reproduced, with meticulous engraving work visible in the folds of the fabric and the hair. The peripheral inscription is partially legible, confirming the representation of Pius IX, but some characters are faded by time.

The medal is round, with a compact and thick appearance, distinguishing it from more recent, often thinner, medals. No ring or bail is visible on this side, suggesting a possible use as a devotional piece to be kept rather than worn, but only the shown side allows for this observation.

The surface shows a natural patina, with variations in hue that highlight the medal's antiquity. Some dark spots and surface irregularities are visible, attesting to its age and authenticity. This type of medal was frequently used as a religious object, a symbol of faith and protection, or offered during pilgrimages or events related to the Vatican.

The whole is presented on a white textile background that enhances the contrast and vintage look of the piece. The medal stands out for the fineness of its reliefs and its sober style, typical of 19th-century religious objects.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. Presence of a marked patina, wear, and small traces of oxidation visible on the surface. The relief remains clearly legible.

Did you know? Pius IX (1792-1878) had the longest pontificate in papal history (1846-1878). He is known for having convened the First Vatican Ecumenical Council and proclaimed the dogma of the Immaculate Conception. Medals bearing his effigy were widely circulated in the 19th century, particularly during the jubilee of his pontificate.

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