NUMISMATIC NUGGETS: SEPTEMBER 15, 2019

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V22 2019 INDEX E-SYLUM ARCHIVE

The E-Sylum: Volume 22, Number 37, September 15, 2019, Article 24

NUMISMATIC NUGGETS: SEPTEMBER 15, 2019

Here's a selection of interesting or unusual items I came across in the marketplace this week. Tell us what you think of some of these. -Editor

Bernini Medal of Pope Alexandar VII Chigi

medal_of_pope_alexandar_vii_chigi_reverse

Gian Lorenzo Bernini
Medal of Pope Alexandar VII Chigi
Mid-17th Century

Italian sculptor, painter, and architect, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, designed this bronze portrait medallion commemorating Pope Alexandar VII Chigi, who served as the Pope from 7 April 1655 to his death in 1667. Alexander was interested in architecture and supported various urban projects in Rome. He also wrote poetry and patronized artists who expanded the decoration of churches, which is probably how he came to know and commission Bernini to design his medal. One side of the round medal reveals his portrait in profile, while the other features the legend of Androclus and the Lion at the moment the lion suddenly cowers and spares the life of a condemned slave who once pulled a thorn from its foot. The cowering lion symbolizes Rome’s thankful remembrance of the pope’s courageous leadership during the plague of 1656-1657; an inscription on a scroll proclaims “The beast, too, remembers the kindness”.

I didn't know Bernini was a medallist. From Sotheby's. -Editor

To read the complete lot description, see:
Gian Lorenzo Bernini Medal of Pope Alexandar VII Chigi Mid-17th Century (https://sothebyshome.com/gian-lorenzo-bernini-medal-of-pope-alexandar-vii-chigi-acc-59602-40030.html)

1909 Spanish Commemorative Medal

[UNATTRIBUTED] BRONZE COMMEMORATIVE MEDAL : ESPOSIZONE NAZIONALE ESTIVA LIVORNO, 1909.

South America
Commemorative medal : Esposizone Nazionale Estiva Livorno, 1909
Bronze
2-1/4 inches
Unsigned.

Excellent condition.

Not the best medal I've seen, but the obverse is interesting. -Editor

To read the complete lot description, see:
[UNATTRIBUTED] BRONZE COMMEMORATIVE MEDAL : ESPOSIZONE NAZIONALE ESTIVA LIVORNO, 1909. (http://davidsmernoff.com/product/unattributed-bronze-commemorative-medal-esposizone-nazionale-estiva-livorno-1909/)

Gerald Ford Inaugural Medal Set

Gerald Ford: Cased Set of Inaugural Medals.
Cased set of official inaugural medals produced by Danbury Mint, including 24kt gold on pure silver, pure silver in proof finish, pure silver in antique finish and solid bronze. Sold with accompanying literature/sales sheet from Danbury Mint from time of issue.

Over at Heritage there's this set of four Gerald Ford inaugural medals, including a gold. -Editor

To read the complete lot description, see:
Gerald Ford: Cased Set of Inaugural Medals.. ... (https://historical.ha.com/itm/political/inaugural-1789-present-/gerald-ford-cased-set-of-inaugural-medals/a/6191-43856.s)

Love Token Greeting Cards

-Love-Token,-My-Heart-with-Thee-Shall-Ever-Bee

Blow-Me-a-Kiss,-Love-Token-Greeting-Card

Remember this for Valentine's Day. Dealer Timothy Millet is offering greeting cards with illustrations of early love tokens. Cool. -Editor

To read the complete items descriptions, see:
Love Token, My Heart with Thee Shall Ever Bee (https://www.historicmedals.com/viewItem.php?no=4120)
Blow Me a Kiss, Love Token Greeting Card (https://www.historicmedals.com/viewItem.php?no=3359)

Wayne Homren, Editor

The Numismatic Bibliomania Society is a non-profit organization promoting numismatic literature. See our web site at coinbooks.org.

To submit items for publication in The E-Sylum, write to the Editor at this address: whomren@gmail.com

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