Papacy

Clement VII, Pope 1523-1534

Muntoni 43; Berman 841, PCGS graded MS-63

Rome. Dies engraved by Benvenuto Cellini. CLEMENS VII PONT MAX, bust of Pope Clement VII left. Reverse: QVA RE DVBITASTE, Jesus right, pulling St. Peter from water.

Despite the political turmoil of his reign, Pope Clement VII was a discerning patron, financing such renowned masterpieces of Renaissance art as Michelangelo’s Last Judgement fresco of the Sistine Chapel and Raphael’s The Transfiguration. The reverse of the present coin depicts the miracle of Jesus walking on the water of the Sea of Galilee. According to Matthew 14:22–34, Jesus called out to Peter to come join him. Peter began to walk on the water towards Jesus but began to fall in when his faith failed him. Here Jesus is shown in the act of saving the drowning saint.