Pius X Silver Medal 1913 – St Helena Constantine Edict of Milan Anniversary

Pius X Silver Medal 1913 – St Helena Constantine Edict of Milan Anniversary

A Rare 1913 Catholic Silver Medal Commemorating Constantine and the Edict of Milan

The Pius X Silver Medal – St Helena Constantine Commemoration is an exceptional early 20th-century Catholic medal struck in 1913 to honor the 1600th anniversary of the Edict of Milan (313 AD).

This is not just a devotional medal.
It’s a historical artifact, deeply tied to one of Christianity’s most defining moments—the legalization of the faith under Emperor Constantine.

• Large, heavy silver format
• Signed and registered by the renowned Kissing workshop
• Preserved in near mint condition
• Rich in iconography, symbolism, and historical context

Pieces like this don’t surface often—especially in this condition.

A Genuine Early 20th Century Kissing Workshop Medal

Pius X Silver Medal – St Helena Constantine Commemoration 1600th Edict of Milan, Exceptional, Large, Heavy, Mint Condition, Collector's

Let’s be clear—this is not a generic devotional piece.

• Marked “DEP. KISSING” (Déposé = registered design)
• Produced by the historic Kissing workshop of Menden, Germany (est. 1850)
• Represents a documented and collectible period model
• Crafted during a time when medallic art was at its peak in Europe

Collectors familiar with European medals know—
Kissing pieces tend to stand out for their depth, precision, and artistic ambition.

This one is no exception.

Commemorating a Defining Moment in Christian History

At the heart of this medal is the Edict of Milan (313 AD).

Here’s why that matters:

• It granted legal tolerance to Christianity in the Roman Empire
• Ended centuries of persecution
• Marked the beginning of Christianity’s public expansion

Important nuance (and most people miss this):

• It legalized Christianity,
• but did not yet make it the state religion (that came later in 380 under Theodosius I)

This medal captures that exact turning point in history.

Obverse Design – Constantine’s Vision and Divine Victory

The front of the medal is where things get visually powerful.

• Inscription: “IN HOC SIGNO VINCES” (“By this sign, you shall conquer”)
• Scene inspired by Constantine’s vision of the cross before battle
• Roman soldiers carrying the Chi-Rho standard
• Ecclesiastical figures and symbolic composition
• A celestial presence above—representing divine intervention

You can almost feel the narrative unfolding.

It’s not static—it’s storytelling in metal.

Reverse Design – Papal Authority and Sacred Figures

Pius X Silver Medal – St Helena Constantine Commemoration 1600th Edict of Milan, Exceptional, Large, Heavy, Mint Condition, Collector's

Flip the medal, and you’re looking at a composition centered on Pope Pius X.

Surrounding him:

• Saint Constantine holding the Labarum
• Saint Helena presenting the Cross
• Papal insignia symbolizing authority
• Olive branches representing peace

This isn’t decorative—it’s deeply intentional.

Every figure connects back to:

• the rise of Christianity
• the authority of the Church
• the legacy of Constantine

A Medal Rich in Symbolism and Theology

There’s a lot happening in this piece—and that’s what makes it special.

• The Cross represents triumph through faith
• The laurel wreath symbolizes victory (a Roman tradition)
• The Chi-Rho marks early Christian identity
• Helena connects to the discovery of the True Cross
• Papal imagery ties the event to ongoing Church authority

It’s a bridge between:

• Roman imperial history
• early Christianity
• and 20th-century Catholic commemoration

Technical Details (Collector Reference)

• Pope: Pius X (1903–1914)
• Dates: 1913 (MCMXIII) / 313 (CCCXIII)
• Diameter: 45 mm
• Weight: 33.52 g
• Material: Silver (acid tested, no hallmark)
• Mark: DEP. KISSING
• Origin: Menden, Germany

Large-format medals like this were not mass-produced in the way smaller devotional medals were.

They were meant to be seen, handled, and preserved.

Craftsmanship – Clearly Above Standard Devotional Medals

You notice it immediately when you hold it.

• Deep, sculptural high relief
• Fine engraving—nothing looks flat
• Multi-figure composition executed with precision
• Strong edge definition and balance

This isn’t a quick-strike devotional token.

It’s serious medallic art.

Condition – Near Mint / Almost Fleur de Coin

Let me be blunt—this level of preservation is rare.

• Virtually no wear on high points
• Crisp details across both sides
• Original surfaces intact
• Natural patina—untouched and authentic
• No visible damage or alterations

For a medal over 100 years old?

That’s exceptional.

It approaches what collectors call “Fleur de Coin” condition—
and that’s not something you see often in large silver medals.

Collector Importance – Why This Piece Stands Out

Pius X Silver Medal – St Helena Constantine Commemoration 1600th Edict of Milan, Exceptional, Large, Heavy, Mint Condition, Collector's

This isn’t just collectible—it’s desirable across multiple niches.

• Papal and Vatican medal collectors
• European medallic art specialists
• Religious artifact collectors
• Signed workshop piece collectors

And then there’s the combination factor:

• Large size
• Heavy silver weight
• Signed “DEP.” model
• Strong historical theme

That combination is what elevates it.

A Personal Collection Piece – Rarely Offered

Pius X Silver Medal – St Helena Constantine Commemoration 1600th Edict of Milan, Exceptional, Large, Heavy, Mint Condition, Collector's

This medal comes from a private, carefully curated collection.

That matters.

Because pieces like this are usually:

• held long-term
• traded privately
• or passed between serious collectors

Seeing one available publicly—
especially in this condition—is uncommon.

Conclusion

The Pius X Silver Medal – St Helena Constantine Commemoration is more than a collectible.

It’s a moment in history, preserved in silver.

From Constantine’s vision to the rise of Christianity…
from Saint Helena’s legacy to the authority of Pope Pius X…

Everything about this medal tells a story.

• historical depth
• artistic excellence
• exceptional preservation

If you’re building a serious collection—or looking for a museum-quality devotional artifact—this piece sits firmly in that category.

Explore it here:
https://swancollection.com/products/pius-x-silver-medal-st-helena-30224

FAQs

What does “IN HOC SIGNO VINCES” mean?

It translates to “By this sign, you shall conquer.” It refers to Emperor Constantine’s vision of the cross before battle, a pivotal moment in Christian history.

Why is the year 313 significant?

The year 313 AD marks the Edict of Milan, which granted legal status to Christianity in the Roman Empire.

What does “DEP. KISSING” indicate?

“DEP.” stands for Déposé, meaning the design was officially registered. It confirms this medal is an authentic Kissing workshop production, not a later reproduction.

Is this medal made of solid silver?

Yes. The medal is acid-tested silver, even though it does not carry a visible hallmark.

Why is this medal valuable to collectors?

Because it combines:

• historical significance
• signed workshop origin
• large silver format
• exceptional condition

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