Wadih Hadad Collection (Beirut). CNG, 287, 735 (from an old English collection).
2012-09-26
Medal issued for pope Pius VI (1775-1799 AD) dually-dated the year 9 and 1785 AD. Economic and political upheaval dominated the later part of Pius VI’s pontificate, a native of Cesena. In 1791, he condemned the establishment of France’s state church and later lost its northern provinces to the French. In 1798, French forces marched upon Rome and captured the pope, holding him prisoner in Drôme until his death six weeks later. Though embalmed, he was not buried until early in 1800 in an effort by Napoleon to warm the relations between France and the Catholic Church. Ultimately, his body was removed from its burial place in Valance and reburied at Rome.
PIVS * SEXTVS* * PONT * MAX * A * XI *,
Bust of Pius VI right, wearing zucchetto, mozzetta, and pallium.