Watch List notes:

ITALY. Papal States. Gregorian Tunnels/Aniene River Diversion Bronze Medal, 1835. Gregory XVI. ALMOST UNCIRCULATED Details. Holed on Rim.

Boccia-67; Patrignani-37. By G. Cerbara. Diameter: 67mm; Weight: 217.11 gms. Obverse: View of the two Gregorian Tunnels for the Aniene at Monte Catillo; in foreground, River God Aniene reclining left, head right, cradling cornucopia; Reverse: View of the waterfalls at the Grotta della Sirene. Edge: Hole drilled at the top, about 1/4 inch deep; otherwise plain. As noted, there is a drill mark on the edge at the top of this impressive medal, but it does not in any way interfere with the overall design. Tremendous intricacy and artistry, with great depth of relief as well. A fairly RARE and powerful Papal medal.

The Latium town of Tivoli lies next to the Aniene River which, on occasion, would flood well beyond its banks, causing great damage to the surrounding town. Pliny the Younger recorded such devastation in A.D. 105, with other catastrophic events occurring in 1688, 1689, and 1826. After that latest diluvial chaos, Pope Gregory XVI intervened, with the river being diverted via a massive earthworks project that ultimately created two underground tunnels and a charming cascade. Overall, it was a highly celebrated feat of civil engineering.

Estimate: $150 - $300