Ancient, British and World Coins, Token, Historical and Art Medals, Numismatic Books and Banknotes

Italy: Papal States, Release of Pope Pius VII from Prison by Napoleon, 1814, a gilt-bronze medal by T. Mercandetti, bust of Pius VII left, rev. angel escorts St Peter from a cell, 40mm (Lincoln 2046; Bart. 814; BDM IV, 32). Some rubbing to high points, otherwise very fine, scarce (£60-80)

Pius VII (1743-1823) visited Paris in 1804 and crowned Napoleon, but gradually came to oppose his aggressions. As a result, he was held prisoner by Napoleon between 1809 and 1814, at Savona and Fontainebleau