PRO PETRI SEDE MEDAL, KNOWN AS CASTELFIDARDO, Second Empire. 15126
Silver-plated bronze, with swiveling loop. Medal in the shape of a ring, with the inner edge depicting a serpent biting its tail, a Christian symbol of mortal sin that confronts anyone daring to attack the Church. The obverse bears the inscription "PRO PETRI SEDE / PIUS IX P.M.A.XV" in Latin, meaning "FOR THE CHAIR OF PETER / PIUS IX P.M.A.XV". The reverse features the inscription "VICTORIA, QUAE VICIT MUNDUM, FIDES NOSTRA" taken from the Gospel of St. John, chapter 5, verse 4, translating to "THE VICTORY, THAT OVERCOMES THE WORLD, IS OUR FAITH". In the center of the ring is an inverted cross symbolizing the martyrdom of the first Pope, St. Peter, who was crucified head down by the Romans.
Red ribbon with two white bands flanked by two yellow bands.
Height 4.8 cm, width 4 cm.
France.
Second Empire.
Very good condition.
HISTORY:
Created by Pope Pius IX on 12/9/1860 as the "Pro Petri Sede" medal to honor the survivors of the Castelfidardo battle, during which the small pontifical army under General de Lamoricière was destroyed. It includes six clasps (CastelFidardo, Ste Angelo, Ancona, Spoleto, Monte Pelago, Perugia).
The pontifical troops were mainly composed of Italians, 5,000 Austrians, 3,600 Irish, as well as a small battalion of 300 French and Belgian Pontifical Zouaves.
Reference :
15126