Vatican. A Medal Of The Holy Land, Pilgrims Jerusalem Cross Of Honour, Gold Grade

Instituted in 1901. In silver gilt, obverse with the left-facing bust of Pope Leo XIII surrounded by the inscription in Latin "LEO XIII P.M. CREAVIT AN. MCM" (Founded by Leo XIII in 1900) in the centre, the centrepiece surrounded by four scenes illustrating the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Nativity, the Baptism of Our Lord and the Last Supper, inscribed on the arms, clockwise from the left "CHRISTI / AMOR / CRUCIFIXI / TRAXIT NOS" (The Love of Christ Crucified has Drawn Us), reverse illustrating the Resurrection, marked "800" (silver) and maker marked "CDF" in the centre, the centrepiece surrounded by four scenes, with Jesus praying in the garden, scourged, crowned with thorns and being crucified, inscribed in Latin on the arms, clockwise from the left "SIGNUM / SACRI / ITINERIS / HIEROSOL" (A Token of Holy Pilgrimage to Jerusalem), measuring 33.8 mm (w) x 33.8 mm (h), original ribbon suspended from a hanger inscribed "JERUSALEM" with pinback, maker marked "CDF ITALY" and marked "800" (silver) on the reverse of the hanger, extremely fine.

Footnote: Jerusalem Crosses of Honour were produced, in gold, silver and bronze grades, and were awarded to pilgrims and benefactors to the Holy Land. The Jerusalem Cross of Honour was awarded from 1900 to about 1950.