Pius IX 1876 Immaculate Conception Column Medal by Bianchi 82mm 268g Bronze ⸻ Italy – Papal States Pope Pius IX (1846–1878) Monumental Presentation Bronze Medal – Immaculate Conception Column, Rome Year: A. MDCCCLXXVI (1876) Engraver: T. BIANCHI Material: Bronze Diameter: 82.00 mm Weight: 268 g Patina: Original deep brown with bluish iridescent toning (patina blu) Extremely fine craftsmanship, exceptional state of preservation. ⸻ Obverse Superb high-relief portrait of Pope Pius IX, facing left, wearing richly embroidered papal vestments. Legend: PIUS IX PONT. MAX. SACRI. PRINC. A. XXXI Signed along the lower edge: T. BIANCHI F. The detail in the textured stole embroidery is extraordinary — crisp, sharp, and fully legible down to the smallest rosette and papal stemma. ⸻ Reverse Detailed architectural perspective of Piazza di Spagna with the Column of the Immaculate Conception, erected under Pius IX following the proclamation of the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception (1854). Legend around commemorates the decree affirming the dogma. In exergue: A. MDCCCLXXVI – T. BIANCHI F. The deep modeling of the column and buildings is rendered with rare precision. ⸻ Historical Significance This is one of the major papal medals of the 19th century. Large-format presentation issues like this were not intended for general circulation, but reserved for: • Diplomatic gifts • Cardinals and high clergy • Vatican officials and dignitaries As a result, very few survive, and most examples show wear, abrasions, or cleaning. This medal retains a remarkably original surface and presents museum-level quality. ⸻ Condition / Preservation • Exceptional strike with razor-sharp details • Outstanding original patina, with subtle bluish iridescence (“patina blu”) highly prized by collectors • No cleaning, no scratches, no edge knocks • Smooth fields and fully intact relief • Arguably one of the finest specimens known on the market today A medal of this size, weight, and perfectly preserved patina is rare to encounter. ⸻ Rarity Large Pius IX papal presentation medals are scarce, but this specific issue in this condition is rare. Among the very few documented examples, this is likely one of the best preserved currently in private hands.