Heritage World Coin Auctions
CICF Signature Sale 3040 9-10 April 2015
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Brazil
Republic gold Commemorative Medal of the Appointment as Cardinal of Joaquim de Albuquerque Cavalcanti, VC-270. Gold, 70mm, 232.98g. Uncirculated: the Holy Virgin blessing the appointment of the new Cardinal, cherubs surrounding the Papal Arms, a seated female scribe recording the event, BRASIL below. Reverse: allegorical figures uniting the coat of Arms of Brazil, the Vatican and the Pope, ROMA-11-12-1905 RIO DE JANEIRO-1-4-1906 O CLERO E O POVO DO BRASIL AO S. S. PADRE PIO X.This medal was struck to commemorate the appointment of Archbishop of Rio de Janeiro Joaquim Arcoverde de Albuquerque Cavalcanti by Pope Pius X as the first Cardinal appointed in South America and commissioned by the Executive Committee of the Celebration. Examples in bronze, silvered copper, gilt bronze, silver and gold were issued. Only three medals were struck in the latter metal, one each for President Francisco de Paula Peres and the new Cardinal and one for his eminency Pius X – the latter with a bezel of precious stones attached to it (see VC page 135) and presented to Monsignor Julio Tonti on October 12, 1906. This massive and exquisitely engraved gold piece represents Girardet's greatest achievement and is arguably Republican Brazil's most valuable medal. Dr Monteiro treasured this specimen as one of his most valued possessions and comments: "This is a piece of Brazilian history of which I am especially proud. Engraved by one of our most notable engravers, Augusto Girardet, and offered to three great dignitaries, the Pope (Pius X), the President of Brazil and the first South American catholic Cardinal, Don Joaquim Arcoverde. This is the only specimen available to collectors with the other two in Museums. My friend Kurt Prober once told me this was Girardet's ObraPrimma, a medal of incredible beauty and artistry." As one of the greatest modern connoisseurs of Brazilian numismatics, it is of course natural to agree with him on the historical significance of the present piece, destined to become one of the highlights in the lucky next owner's fine cabinet. Excessively rare and the only example available to collectors -as noted previously - this being President's Rodrigues Alves' specimen.
Estimate: 15000-20000 USD
Republic gold Commemorative Medal of the Appointment as Cardinal of Joaquim de Albuquerque Cavalcanti, VC-270. Gold, 70mm, 232.98g. Uncirculated: the Holy Virgin blessing the appointment of the new Cardinal, cherubs surrounding the Papal Arms, a seated female scribe recording the event, BRASIL below. Reverse: allegorical figures uniting the coat of Arms of Brazil, the Vatican and the Pope, ROMA-11-12-1905 RIO DE JANEIRO-1-4-1906 O CLERO E O POVO DO BRASIL AO S. S. PADRE PIO X.This medal was struck to commemorate the appointment of Archbishop of Rio de Janeiro Joaquim Arcoverde de Albuquerque Cavalcanti by Pope Pius X as the first Cardinal appointed in South America and commissioned by the Executive Committee of the Celebration. Examples in bronze, silvered copper, gilt bronze, silver and gold were issued. Only three medals were struck in the latter metal, one each for President Francisco de Paula Peres and the new Cardinal and one for his eminency Pius X – the latter with a bezel of precious stones attached to it (see VC page 135) and presented to Monsignor Julio Tonti on October 12, 1906. This massive and exquisitely engraved gold piece represents Girardet's greatest achievement and is arguably Republican Brazil's most valuable medal. Dr Monteiro treasured this specimen as one of his most valued possessions and comments: "This is a piece of Brazilian history of which I am especially proud. Engraved by one of our most notable engravers, Augusto Girardet, and offered to three great dignitaries, the Pope (Pius X), the President of Brazil and the first South American catholic Cardinal, Don Joaquim Arcoverde. This is the only specimen available to collectors with the other two in Museums. My friend Kurt Prober once told me this was Girardet's ObraPrimma, a medal of incredible beauty and artistry." As one of the greatest modern connoisseurs of Brazilian numismatics, it is of course natural to agree with him on the historical significance of the present piece, destined to become one of the highlights in the lucky next owner's fine cabinet. Excessively rare and the only example available to collectors -as noted previously - this being President's Rodrigues Alves' specimen.
Estimate: 15000-20000 USD