ITALY, Tommaso Mercandetti. fl. circa 1772-1821. Pius VII (Barnaba Niccolò Maria Luigi Chiaramonti). Pope, 1800-1823. AR Medal (38mm, 27.00 g, 12h). Rome mint. Dated 1804. PIVS VII PONT · MAX ·, bust right, wearing zucchetta, mozzetta, and pallium / FVNDAMENTA FIDEI, nimbate and draped busts of Sts. Peter and Paul facing one another; T·M·F· to lower left; ·MDCCCIV· in exergue. Mazio 545; Lincoln 2010. EF.
Elected as a compromise candidate at a secured conclave in Venice, Pius VII immediately left for Rome in the hope of restoring the papal government. His relationship with Napoleon was strained throughout the duration of Napoleon’s reign. Since he knew the importance of religion as a means of control, Napoleon tolerated the pontificate of Pius VII, whose resolve during these hardships improved the position of the Church and aided to restore some of the standing which had been lost during Pius VI’s papacy.
