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Pius IX

Designed by: Giovanni Lorenzo Bernini (Italian (Naples), 1598–1680)
After: Gaspare Morone Mola (Italian, died in 1 died in 1669)
Italian (Rome)
1861
Mint: Rome, Italy

Medium/Technique Metal; probably bronze
Dimensions Diameter and weight: 44 mm (1 3/4 in.)
Credit Line Bequest of Helen O. Bigelow
Accession NumberRES.23.194
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsEurope
ClassificationsNumismaticsMedals

DescriptionCircular medal of Pope Pius IX (1792-1878).

Obverse: Profile bust of Pius IX looking to proper right; inscribed at edge "PIVS IX·PONT·MAX·ANNO XV·" and under bust "[L.BIANCH F]".

Reverse: A cathedra (bishop's chair) at center, being lifted by four ecclesiastical figures (probably archbishops or pervious popes) with clouds and rays of light behind; inscribed below "L.BIANCHI F." and in exergue "FIDEI REGVIA/ECCLES·FVNDAMENTVM".
InscriptionsObverse: Inscribed at edge "PIVS IX·PONT·MAX·ANNO XV·" and under bust "[L.BIANCH F]".

Reverse: Inscribed below "L.BIANCHI F." and in exergue "FIDEI REGVIA/ECCLES·FVNDAMENTVM".
Provenance1923, Helen O. Bigelow; 1923, bequest of Helen O. Bigelow to the MFA. (Accession Date: May 3, 1923)