Hi all My Grandfather was given this coin personally by Pope John 23rd. He was told that it was very rare. Can anyone put a value on this please. I have tried to attach pictures This is the text on the coin IOANNES • XXIII • PONT • MAX • | AN • III • many thanks pgrim
It is a Vatican Medal issued in 1960 (year 3) with Johannes XXIII (1881-1963). It was issued, I think, to honor Cardinal Gregorius Barbadicus who is pictured on the reverse. I would say its worth maybe 40-50 bucks tops. They more often sell for less even in pretty good shape.
pgrim, What's really rare is having a coin that was presented to your Grandfather by the Pope! Numismatically speaking the coin might only be worth $40 or $50 bucks. As a family heirloom it is priceless. Make sure you document where and when the coin was obtained with as much detail as you can include. As time passes things like this can be forgotten if you don't write it down for posterity. Future generations will thank you. Andy
Please, do keep it. I really don't want to see this coin on Ebay with the auction 'distributed by the Pope himself....'