Pope John Paul II Austria 1983 Medal • Rare Vienna Variant • Gold Prooflike 35mm Pope John Paul II – Rare Commemorative Medal Austria Visit 10–13 September 1983 • Vienna Stephansdom Variant • 35 mm • Prooflike Gold-Tone Finish This listing offers an exceptionally rare and highly refined commemorative medal struck for the historic 1983 visit of Pope John Paul II to Austria. Unlike the commonly encountered Mariazell or portrait-type medals, this example features the spectacular architectural rendering of St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom) in Vienna, paired with the Austrian Federal Eagle and the Papal Coat of Arms. After extensive research, this exact Vienna design appears to be a scarce private-issue medal produced in very limited quantities for the local Viennese pilgrimage and ecclesiastical circles. No identical specimen is currently recorded in major online catalogs or recent auction archives, making it a highly desirable collector’s piece. ⸻ Key Features • Diameter: 35 mm • Metal: Gold-tone over base metal, prooflike contrast • Obverse: St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom), exceptional architectural detail • Reverse: Austrian Federal Eagle + Papal Coat of Arms • Legend: Papst Johannes Paul II in Österreich, 10–13.9.1983 • Edge: Plain • Strike & Finish: Deep prooflike fields, frosted devices • Condition: Premium high grade, mirror surfaces, outstanding relief A visually stunning medal with museum-level presence. Historical Context John Paul II’s 1983 visit to Austria was a major diplomatic and spiritual event, marking renewed ties between the Vatican and Central Europe during the late Cold War. Vienna, with its centuries-old role as a Catholic center, issued a number of commemoratives — but architectural medals of this sophistication were produced only by select private ateliers. This is one of those refined and elusive issues. diametro 35 mm peso 24,39 g