Papacy

Jullius III, Pope 1550-1555

Muntoni 16; Berman 992, PCGS graded AU-53

Rome. IVLIVS III P M A II, bust of Pope Julius III left. Reverse: OMNIA TVTA VIDES ROMA, Rome seated left, holding wreath.

The reverse type of this remarkable piece takes its cues from ancient Roman coinage. Here the armored personification of Roma sits on a rock and proffers a wreath of victory. Although there are no Roman coins with this specific type, the typology reflects the absorption and refashioning of ancient iconography that was a key ingredient of the Italian Renaissance.