247, Lot: 438. Estimate $200. Sold for $225. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

ITALY, Papal Coinage. Pius VII. 1800-1823. AR Medal (39mm, 25.72 g, 12h). Gioacchimo Hamerani, engraver. Dated RY 7 (AD 1806/7). Bust left / Female figure standing left, holding fruit and cornucopia, agricultural implements at feet. Rinaldi 7. EF, toned, lightly chased.

Ex Tkalec Auction (7 May 2008), lot 639.

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.