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Country: Papal States, Italy - 16th-17th
Type: Medal
Composition: Bronze
Weight: 19.07 g
Diameter: 35 mm
Thickness: 2 mm
Shape: Round with a hole and an Obverse Die crack at 09:30
Grade: F/VG
Orientation: Medal alignment ↑↑
Medal at the cross of Saint Benedict.
Obverse:
Saint Benedict haloed standing in front holding his Order's rulebook and the Episcopal Cross, accompanied by a cherub below (instead of a crow). On the right, a cup with the mass wine, containing the poison (symbolized by snakes) supposed to kill Saint Benedict.
Lettering:
S. PATER BENEDICTUS
Reverse:
The Cross of Saint Father Benedict accompanied by several series of letters.
Lettering:
V.R.S.N.S.M.V. S.M.Q.L.L.V.B.
C.S.P.B.
N[DS]MD
C[SSM]L
Edge:
Smooth.
There is the so-called cross of Saint Benedict accompanied by several series of letters:
C S P B: “Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti”: Cross of the Holy Father Benedict.
C S S M L: "Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux": May the holy cross be my light.
N D S M D: "No Draco Sit Mihi Dux": Let the dragon not be my guide.
V R S N S M V: "Vade Retro Satana, Numquam Suade Mihi Vana": Withdraw satan, never advise me your vanities.
S M Q L I V B: "Sunt Mala Quae Libas, Ipse Venena Bibas": The drinks you offer are evil, drink your poisons yourself.
PAX is sometimes replaced by IHS: Iesus Homo Salvator or, more commonly accepted: Iesus, Hominum Salvator ("Jesus Savior of men").
Collection : Médailles & Objets Liturgiques