Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 318 - The Collector's Series
Lot: 1316

Papal - Vatican. Pius IX (1846-1878). Saint Peter's Basilica Interior Medal, 1854. Bronze, 82.7mm. By Ignazio Bianchi. Bust of the Pontifex Maximus l. in zucchetto, rev. Superbly detailed interior view of Saint Peter's looking toward the high altar with Bernini's baldachin; PIVS. IX. P.M. BASILICAM. PAVLI. APOST. AB. INCENDIO. REFECTAM. SOLEMNI. RITV. CONSECRAVIT. IV. ID. DE. MDCCCLIV. Mazio 731. A masterpiece of architectural medallic engraving in which the artist has lined up the deepest point of the altar with the high point of the bust, providing the viewer with a marvelous inset view of Saint Peter's. A similar piece hammered for 1,000 Euros in this past September's Hirsch auction, while the same type medal in the same grade brought near 1,500 including the fee in a 2007 Coin Galleries sale. Attractive deep chestnut-brown. About Uncirculated.

Estimate
$1,000 to $1,500