Antique Vatican Leo XIII medal, canonization Rome 1897, religious souvenir

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This antique Vatican medal features a classic round shape and a uniform patina that highlights its historical character. On the obverse, two medallion portraits are finely engraved: on the left, a religious figure wearing a halo and holding an attribute, on the right another bust figure, both surrounded by detailed relief decoration. The inscription "CANONIZZAZIONE ROMA MDCCCXCVII" is clearly legible on the upper part, indicating a canonization in Rome in 1897. The presence of an integrated suspension ring at the top suggests use as a pendant or wearable medal.

The engraving style, the treatment of the reliefs, and the typography of the inscription evoke a late 19th-century production, typical of commemorative religious medals from the Vatican under the pontificate of Leo XIII. The medal has a dark, metallic finish, with no added coloring, with a slightly shiny surface in places and matte areas resulting from the wear of time.

The figurative details are well preserved: the facial features, liturgical vestments, and some symbolic elements are clearly distinguishable. The border is smooth and regular, without additional decoration. The object has a solemn character, accentuated by the representation of saintly figures and the Latin inscription, a typical element of official Vatican religious souvenirs.

The medal is placed on a natural wood background, which allows its hue and the fineness of the engraving work to be fully appreciated. No reverse is visible in the photo; only the obverse is described here as observable.

This type of medal was often distributed during major events of the Holy See, serving both as a souvenir and a testament to a specific ceremony, in this case the canonization in Rome in 1897 under Leo XIII.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. Presence of a uniform patina, signs of wear and small age-related marks visible on the surface. No major chips or apparent deformation on the visible side.

Did you know? Leo XIII, Pope from 1878 to 1903, was the first Supreme Pontiff to actively promote the creation of commemorative medals during canonizations. Medals struck for these events were often distributed to pilgrims and ecclesiastics present in Rome, becoming valuable religious and historical souvenirs.

AFW Reassurance

Careful and fast shipping, professional packaging adapted to the preservation of antique objects. Seller specializing in historical and religious items.

Keywords: religious medal, Vatican souvenir, Leo XIII medal, Rome canonization, antique medal, commemorative medal, religious medal, Vatican souvenir, papal medal, 19th-century medal, antique medal, church medal, Leo XIII pontificate