ITALY, Papale (Stato pontificio). Paul III. 1534-1549. Æ Medal (39mm, 25.48 g, 1h). By J.F. Parmensis. Dated RY 16 (AD 1549, though a later restrike). · PAULVS · PONT · MAX · AN · XVI ·, bust left, wearing zucchetto and mantum / View of Rome; in exergue; ALMA · ROMA. Mazio 53; Lincoln 505. Chocolate brown surfaces. EF. A spectacular view of the ancient city of Rome.
One of the few Popes to have fathered children before his election, Paul III was also the first Pope to understand the threat which was posed by the Reformation, on account of which he began a Counter-Reformation. He officially recognized the Jesuits, known as the Society of Jesus and commissioned the painting of the Last Judgment by Michelangelo.