Spain - Pope Leo XIV - Official Medal of the Apostolic...

In stock an exceptional contemporary papal relic of particular historical, collecting and numismatic interest. This is the official medal produced on the occasion of the Apostolic Journey of His Holiness Pope LEON XIV (Robert Francis Prevost) to Spain, which took place from June 6 to 12, 2026. The specimen is offered complete with its original rigid case, enhanced by the papal coat of arms impressed in gold. Technical characteristics Material: bronze with refined two-tone satin finish. Diameter: 55 mm. Conditions: excellent. Case: original rigid case covered in red-purple faux leather, with a velvet-lined interior and the papal coat of arms impressed in gold. Iconographic description Obverse The obverse commemorates the Pontiff’s Apostolic Journey to Spanish soil through a composition of strong symbolic and artistic value. On the right is depicted, with particular attention to architectural details, the famous Basilica of the Sagrada Família in Barcelona. On the left there is a striking representation of the Virgin Mary with the Child Jesus on her throne, a element that gives the composition a marked Marian and devotional dimension. At the top is the Latin inscription: HISPANIAM VISIT “Visit Spain”. On the exergue the date of the journey is engraved in Roman numerals: VI–XII IVN MMXXVI 6–12 June 2026. Reverse The reverse is entirely devoted to the papal identity of Leo XIV. In the center stands the official Pope’s coat of arms, accompanied by the Keys of St. Peter and the papal insignia. In the shield the elements proper to the heraldry of Pope Leo XIV are recognizable, including the lily and the flaming heart pierced by an arrow and resting on an open book, a traditional reference to the spirituality and iconography of the Order of Saint Augustine, to which the Pontiff belongs. Along the border runs the inscription: LEO XIV PONTIFEX MAXIMUS In the lower scroll is the pontifical motto: IN ILLO UNO UNUM “Nell’Unico siamo uno”, an expression of Augustine-inspired thought that recalls the theme of unity in Christ. Notes for the collector Official medals produced on the occasion of Apostolic Journeys constitute a special category of contemporary papal medallic art. Aimed mainly at dignitaries, authorities, delegations and subjects involved in papal visits, they are generally difficult to obtain on the private collecting market, especially in the short distance from the event to which they are dedicated. The specimen thus represents an interesting testimony to the Pontificate of Leo XIV and a piece of particular significance for collectors of papal numismatics, contemporary Church history and Vatican memorabilia. Provenance The medal is not sold on behalf of the Holy See, the State of Vatican City, or other ecclesiastical entities. The specimen exclusively comes from a private collection currently being decommissioned.

Estimate:£125.13

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