Collection of Papal Medals at Cambi Auctioneers and Crippa Numismatics

The auction organized by Cambi Auction House and Crippa Numismatics, to be held on May 30, 2025, will offer a remarkably rich selection of Italian and Papal medals.

The Italian section will feature several rare examples of early cast medals, such as the beautiful work by Giovanni Zacchi (1512–1565) in honor of the Venetian Doge Andrea Gritti, the classic Baroque medals by Massimiliano Soldani and Antonio Selvi, and the exquisite gilt bronze medal commissioned by Alessandro Cesati (known as “Il Grechetto”) in honor of Queen Dido of Carthage.

Lot 790 – Naples. Joachim Murat, 1808–1815. Silver medal. Capture of Capri 1808 (1811). Estimate: €15,000 / 18,000.

Among the highlights is a spectacular and extremely rare silver medal struck in 1811 to commemorate the capture of Capri (1808) by Napoleonic troops from the British. Featuring a stunning portrait of Joachim Murat and a dramatic depiction of the Gulf of Naples – scene of the naval battle – this medal, the work of Louis Jaley and Vincenzo Catenacci, is considered one of the most beautiful issues of the 19th century. The specimen offered in this auction is among the finest to appear on the market, boasting exceptional preservation and a brilliant cabinet patina that further enhances the richness of its engraving.

Lot 854 – Papal States Gregory XIII (Ugo Boncompagni), 1572–1585. Silver medal, Year II. Reform of the Catholic Clergy. Estimate: €900 / 1,200.

However, the true highlight of this auction is a lavish and spectacular offering of Papal medals – the first part of a collection assembled over forty years by a refined and knowledgeable collector who skillfully selected many of the finest examples issued by the Papacy from the 16th to the 21st century from both the national and international markets.

No fewer than fifty-four Popes are portrayed on magnificent medals in gold, silver, and bronze, reflecting the artistry of the finest engravers working at the Papal Mint.

Lot 846 – Papal States. Pius V (Antonio Ghislieri), 1566–1572. Silver medal, Year VI. Commemoration of the Battle of Lepanto. Estimate: €800. / 1,000.

Among the most notable lots are the medal of Pius V commemorating the Battle of Lepanto, offered in both silver and gilt bronze; the silver medal of Gregory XIII marking the reform of the Catholic clergy; the medal of Clement VIII for the incorporation of the Duchy of Ferrara into the Papal States; and the more modern large-format medals of Pius VII for the restoration of the Colosseum and Pius IX for the monument to the Blessed Virgin in Piazza di Spagna, both extremely rare in silver.

Lot 878 – Papal States. Clement VIII (Ippolito Aldobrandini), 1592–1605. Annual silver medal, Year VII (1598). Devolution of the Duchy of Ferrara to the Papal States. Estimate: €1,500 / 2,500.

The entire collection of Papal medals is further enhanced by the exceptional quality of the pieces and the magnificent iridescent patinas that characterize many of them.