1082150 | VATICAN CITY. Pius XII. (Pontiff, 1939-1958). An VI (1944) AR Medal. PCGS SP65. By Aurelio Mistruzzi. Edge: Plain. 44mm. PIVS XII PONTIFEX - MAXIMVS ANNO VI. Bust, right; signed on truncation / DEFENSOR - CIVITATIS// DIE XII MCM MAR XLIV. Angel with cross and the Pontiff's shield of arms on a pedestal; St. Peter's Basilica, the Antonine column and the Campidoglio tower in the background. Rinaldi 138; Bartolotti E 944; Cusumano Modesti 45.

Struck in support of the security of Rome during the Second World War.


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The Pope was indignant at the bombing of the Italian capital, during which the Basilica of San Lorenzo in Rome was seriously damaged. He ordered that the annual medal be designed and struck to the memory of this event. The original design submitted by the engraver, Aurelio Mistruzzi depicted the Pope inspecting the rubble following the bombing, however that design was suppressed for fear of any political implications and repercussions that could have followed had it been issued.