A Look at Some of the Papal Artifacts’ Collection of Vatican Medals

The silver medallion featured here was issued in 1963, the first year of the pontificate  of Pope Paul VI.  On the obverse side, it reads, Paul VI Pontifex Maximus (Paul VI Supreme Pontiff) Anno 1 (the first year).

The reverse side of the medallion has an image of the cross keys and tiara, the symbol of the papacy, and the date, 1963.  The phrase surrounding the outer edge reads, Corona Aurea Super Caput (A Golden Crown on His Head).  

The Vatican issues medallions and medals to commemorate  special events, like Holy Years or canonizations of popes or anniversary years of their pontificates.  Many of them come in cases like the white one featured here with the cross keys and tiara decorating the top.

The  medallions are issued as souvenirs and valued by collectors as well.  This is a memento of a canonized pontiff, and for that reason alone it is a nice addition to this Collection.

The Vatican medals displayed here are from the pontificates of St. Pius X, Pius XI, Venerable Pius XII, Saint John XXIII and St. Paul VI, and Cardinal Merry del Val. They are in small cases with their coats of arms.

These medals are more desirable because they are in their cases.

The Vatican medals presented here are from the pontificates of Saint Paul VI and Saint John Paul II.  The fact that these two popes are now canonized or beatified make them of added interest to this Collection.

Each medal is in its own case with the Pope’s coat of arms on the cover.

Vatican medals are produced on a yearly basis and depict various poses of the popes on the front of the medals and quite intricate scenes on the reverse side as can be seen in these various images.

Vatican medals are of great interest to collectors, and these are of obvious interest given their connection to these two particular saints.

The Papal Artifacts’ Collection has an array of medals connected to pontificates from all ages.  Go to Papal Artifacts and search Medals  to view more of them.