1182

Papal States, bronze beggar's medal, no date (ca. 1700s), John the Baptist, numbered 139, PCGS VF35

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / Medals & Tokens Start Price:350.00 USD Estimated At:500.00 - 1,000.00 USD
Papal States, bronze beggar's medal, no date (ca. 1700s), John the Baptist, numbered 139, PCGS VF35
By registering for our auction, you agree to the terms and conditions.
Papal States, bronze beggar's medal, no date (ca. 1700s), John the Baptist, numbered 139, PCGS VF35 Brown, only example in the PCGS census. 38 mm Medals like this one were issued to beggars and those in need of charity by Papal State officials to facilitate the giving of alms to those less fortunate and to provide for their protection when traveling. Obverse features a robed John the Baptist hold the lamb of God, both with halos, cross in background, legend above reads PARATE. VIA. DNI., with stamped 139 at 8 o'clock; reverse shows a mother breastfeeding a child with an infant to either side, one holding a cross and the other leaning on an anchor, legend above reading IN CHARITATE NON FICTA and CONCORDIA in exergue. Exceedingly rare, only four others known to the cataloger with one owned by the British Museum. PCGS #37805089.