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

Exceptional early 20th century Catholic art medal featuring Pope Pius X, dated 1913 (MCMXIII) and 313 ( CCCXIII) , signed and marked “DEP. KISSING”, indicating a registered design by the historic Kissing workshop of Menden, Germany (est. 1850).

An important and finely executed large Sterling silver Catholic medal, commemorating one of the most decisive moments in the history of Christianity: the conversion of Emperor Constantine and the Edict of Milan (313 AD), which established religious peace and legalization of Christianity within the Roman Empire.

Struck in high relief and of remarkable quality and condition, the obverse presents a sophisticated historical composition inspired by Constantine’s divine vision, accompanied by the inscription: “IN HOC SIGNO VINCES” (“By this sign, you shall conquer”)

The scene includes ecclesiastical figures, Roman soldiers bearing the Chi-Rho standard, and a celestial presence above, symbolizing divine intervention and the triumph of the Christian faith.

The reverse is centered on a finely rendered portrait of Pope Pius X (1903–1914), surrounded by:
• Saint Constantine holding the Labarum
• Saint Helena presenting the True Cross
• Papal insignia and olive branches, emblems of spiritual authority and peace

This is a documented and highly collectible example of a Kissing workshop medal, associated with the Constantinian / Edict of Milan iconographic tradition.

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Key Details
• Pope: Pius X (1903–1914)
• Dates: 1913 (MCMXIII) – 313 ( CCCXIII)
• Marks: DEP. KISSING (registered design)
• Workshop: Kissing, Menden (Germany), founded 1850
• Diameter: 44.21 mm
• Weight: 33.62 g
• Material: Silver (no hallmark, acid tested)

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Historical & Iconographic Significance
This medal commemorates the Edict of Milan (313 AD) proclaimed by Constantin Ier, which granted official tolerance and legal status to Christianity within the Roman Empire.

👉 It is essential to note that this event marks the legalization of Christianity, not yet its establishment as the state religion (which occurred later in 380 under Theodosius I).

The dual dates 313–1913 explicitly confirm the 1600th anniversary issue.

This medal presents a powerful and historically grounded composition:
• Portrait of Pope Pius X in full papal regalia
• Saint Helena, discoverer of the True Cross
• Prominent Cross, symbol of Christian triumph
• Classical laurel wreath, representing victory
👉 The presence of Helena and imperial symbolism strongly connects this medal to the legacy of Emperor Constantine and the Edict of Milan (313 AD). It is also traditionally associated with the discovery of the True Cross, reinforces the connection to the Constantinian legacy and the triumph of Christianity.
This medal is closely related to the Apostolic Letter Universis Christifidelibus issued by Pie X in the context of the commemoration of the Edict of Milan (313 AD), proclaimed by Constantin Ier.

Such medals were created as part of the early 20th century revival of Christian historical themes, making this piece not only a devotional object but also a reflection of a major moment in Church history

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DEP. KISSING – Registered Model
The presence of “DEP.” (Déposé) confirms that this design was officially registered by the Kissing workshop, not a generic or later reproduction.
👉 This is therefore:
• a documented period model
• an authentic workshop production
• a recognized collectible type seen in numismatic markets

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Quality & Craftsmanship
• Deep, sharp high relief
• Fine engraving and excellent detail preservation
• Complex multi-figure composition
• Professional medallic execution

Clearly above standard devotional production.

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Condition – Near Mint / Almost Fleur de Coin

The medal is preserved in exceptionally high condition, extremely rare for this type:
• Virtually no wear on high points
• Sharp and fully legible details throughout
• Original surfaces with attractive natural patina
• No significant damage or alteration
👉 Close to “Fleur de Coin” quality, which is highly unusual for a medal of this size and age.

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Collector’s Importance

Highly desirable for collectors of:
• Papal and Vatican medals
• Early 20th century European medallic art
• Religious historical artifacts
• Signed and documented workshop pieces

Large format (44.21 mm), Heavy ( 33.62 grams ) and DEP. for Déposé - signed examples are particularly sought after.

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A museum-quality devotional artwork
A rare combination of history, symbolism, craftsmanship, and preservation — ideal for an advanced collector or a refined collection, from my personal collection.

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Please do not hesitate to ask any question.

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