This is the official annual medal, ninth year of his pontificate, of Pope Clement XI (Gianfrancesco Albani, 1700 - 1721) and celebrates the procession for peace in January 1709. Obv:/ CLEMENS.XI.P.M.AN.VIIII Bust of the Pope with tiara (Papal crown), turned right. Under the bust, the signature of the engraver, HAMERANVS Rev :/ PORTAVERVNT.TABERNACVLVM.FOEDERIS Crowd carrying a tabernacle. In exergue MDCCIX The inscription to the back refers to Holy Bible, Third Book of Kings: Et portaverunt arcam Domini, et tabernaculum foederis (And they brought the ark of the Lord, and the tabernacle of the alliance). Metal: Bronze Weight: 21.17 grams Diameter: 40 mm The situation that had arisen at the end of 1708, due to the Spanish Succession War, was extremely dangerous for the Papal States. The Pope was at the mercy of the two warring blocs with which it was too compromised. No longer with any support, while the fortune of arms was manifested in favor of Austria, Clement XI (fear of looting in the city of Rome) pleaded with God's help, prayers and prescribing public functions for the salvation of his Church and State. The medal refers to this dramatic moment. On January 2, 1709 the image of the Savior was brought from the Sancta Holies Chapel in Saint Peter in a solemn procession, followed by the Pope walking, by all cardinals and many priests. The medal represents this procession with the Pope surrounded by Swiss Guards, by religious and by believers. I have this medal in my collection...I hope you enjoy it petronius
Very cool. I find Papal coins & medals interesting. If I wasnt into ancients I think I would be collecting Papal stuff. Lots of history.
Beautiful medal petronius! Thanks also for the history lesson. I love researching things in the numismatic world that interest me as obviously you do as well. Bruce
