287, Lot: 714. Estimate $150. Sold for $140. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

ITALY, Papale (Stato pontificio). Pius IV (Giovannangelo de’ Medici). 1559-1565. Æ Medal (31mm, 20.00 g, 12h). Bust right, wearing mantum / Roma standing facing, head lowered left slightly left, holding spear and shield, with foot on helmet; military regalia and instruments behind. Mazio 84; Lincoln 599. EF, dark brown surfaces.

From an old English collection.

Though his name suggests a link to the famous banking family of Florence, Pius IV was actually unrelated and born in Milan. He reopened the Council of Trent, of which he was in complete support.