Commemorative Medal First Vatican Council 1869
Key Information:
• Country: Vatican / Papal States
• Issued by: Pope Pius IX
• Event: First Vatican Council (Concilium Vaticanum I)
• Year: 1869
• Material: Bronze
• Diameter: Approx. 41.46 mm
• Suspension: Red ribbon
Medal Design:
Obverse:
Bust of Pope Pius IX facing left.
Inscription:
“PIUS IX PONTIFEX MAXIMUS ANNO XXIV”
Translation:
Pius IX Supreme Pontiff, Year 24 of his pontificate.
Reverse:
Detailed depiction of the interior of St. Peter’s Basilica during the First Vatican Council with assembled bishops and clergy.
Central inscription:
“CONCILIUM OECUMENICUM VATICANUM
8 DECEMBRIS 1869”
Translation:
Ecumenical Vatican Council – 8 December 1869.
Surrounding inscription:
“ECCE EGO VOBISCUM SUM OMNIBUS DIEBUS USQUE AD CONSUMMATIONEM SAECULI”
Translation:
Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the world.
(Matthew 28:20)
Condition:
• Very good overall condition with attractive bronze patina
• Minor surface wear consistent with age
• Original ribbon present
• For condition, please refer to the pictures, all dimensions are approx.
Historical and Collectible Significance:
This medal commemorates the First Vatican Council, convened by Pope Pius IX and opened on 8 December 1869 in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
The council is historically significant for defining key Catholic doctrines, including papal infallibility, and remains one of the most important events in modern Catholic Church history.
Commemorative medals issued for the council are highly collectible among collectors of Vatican medals, religious decorations, and ecclesiastical history.
Summary:
Historic bronze medal commemorating the First Vatican Council of 1869 under Pope Pius IX. A well-detailed example with strong historical significance and appealing patina.