Pius IX, Giovanni Maria Mastai Ferretti of Senigallia. Pope from 1846 to 1878. The interior of St. Peter's Basilica. Bronze medal of maximum module 1869 Year XXIV. By Giuseppe Bianchi. (Bronze, 82.26 mm, 273.46 g). PIVS IX PONT MAX Bust to left with zucchetto, mozzetta and stole decorated with the Pope insignia, the radiated Cross and floral spirals; under the bust cut, I BIANCHI S. Rev. PROSPECTVS INTERIOR BASILICAE VATICANAE DEO SACRAE IN HONOREM BEATI PETRI PR AP Interior of St. Peter's Basilica seen from the nave with Bernini's bronze canopy at the back; in exergue, I EQ BIANCHI DELIN ET SCVL AN MDCCCLXIX. Bartolotti 1971, 16. Bartolotti 1988, p. 264, XXIV – n. 9. An impressive medal, boldly struck in high relief. Nearly Uncirculated. Very rare. Ex Tkalec, May 7, 2008 part II, lot 885. The medal was issued in conjunction with the opening of the Vatican Council convened by Pius IX and inaugurated with a solemn ceremony in St. Peter's on December 8 of that same year but the Council was then suspended due to political events on December 20, 1870. (See F. Bartolotti). This is the third medal of maximum module belonging to the series of the interiors of the four Patriarchal Roman Basilicas. As with the others, also this extraordinary medal shows us a fascinating perspective panorama, with spectacular depth even in the smallest details.