Pius IX, Giovanni Maria Mastai Ferretti of Senigallia. Pope from 1846 to 1878. The reconstruction of St. Paul Basilica. Silver medal of maximum module 1861 (Year IX). By Giuseppe Bianchi. (Silver, 82.26 mm, 273.94 g). PIVS IX PONT MAX Bust left with zucchetto, mozzetta and stole decorated with figure of the Church sitting and holding cross and chalice within scrolled folder and The Holy Spirit; under the bust, I BIANCHI F. Rev. PIVS IX P M BASILICAM PAVLI APOST AB INCENDIO REFECTAM SOLEMNI RITV CONSECRAVIT IV ID DEC MDCCCLIV Interior of the Basilica of St. Paul outside the Walls, reconstructed in 1854; below, on the right side of the floor, I BIANCHI F; in exergue, AL POLETTI ARCH INV. Bartolotti 1971, 7. Bartolotti 1988, p. 136-137, IX – n. 25/a. With red leather original case adorned on the cover by gilted decorations with plants, flowers and chains, all imprinted on leather. Medal with sharp and accurate details. Nearly Uncirculated. Scarce. Ex Thesaurus auction 8, November 11, 2012, lot 1771. The medal was issued in 1861 when Giuseppe Bianchi had the "incidatur" for the minting of a new obverse, to replace the one created in 1852 by Cerbara, which had been in use for a decade. With the new obverse combined with the splendid reverse of the Basilica of St. Paul, which he had already engraved in 1854, Giuseppe Bianchi finally had a medal of his own. This extraordinary medal introduces us, with a fascinating perspective panorama, into the sumptuous and quiet beauty of the central nave. It seems incredible, but with a normal lens every detail appears: the mosaics of the apse and the triumphal arch, details of the ciborium and of the Confession, of capitals, of large windows, of the magnificent ceiling and even the portraits of the Popes lined up, on the side walls, above the colonnade (From F. Bartolotti).