i bought these in a auction lot and know nothing about them can some one please tell me what they are and if their worth anything ? I'm new to coins if you cant tell
Those are not coins but medals. Sorry, don't know anything about their rarity or value, but the first one (St. Benedict) is described here: http://www.osb.org/gen/medal.html The theme of the other one is the 1962-65 Vatican Council. As it shows both John XXIII and Paul VI, it was made after Paul became John's successor, maybe even after the end of the council ... (Edit) Have just been able to decipher the text close to the portraits. AFFER ITALY indicates that Costantino Affer was the designer/sculptor. The piece (but in a different version, partly colored) is listed here for example: http://numismatica-italiana.lamoneta.it/moneta/W-F21S/50 Christian
The first medal is a Jubilee Medal of St. Benedict, probably silver. Interesting fact, if that medal is properly blessed it can substitute for a piece of the True Cross in any Catholic ritual that requires one.
thanks guys for the efforts and info on these items , the St. Benedict seems pretty common now that i know what it is , as for the other the link provided is very helpful i have found one with the same front but a different colored back on ebay http://www.ebay.com/itm/VATICAN-CIT...3753019?pt=US_World_Coins&hash=item35bb3004bb could the one i have be made of Bronze as well ?
