1702 Kirkestaten piastra Clemens XI (1700–1721), 1+
kr 5.500
Product information
Papal States – Piastra 1702, Clement XI – Santa Maria in Trastevere
In 1702, Pope Clement XI ordered the striking of this large silver coin to commemorate the restoration of the façade of the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, one of Rome’s oldest churches dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The work was carried out under the direction of the architect Carlo Fontana, who replaced the church’s earlier entrance with a new façade designed in the classical style of the period.
The church already had a history stretching back nearly 1,500 years. According to tradition, the first Christian building on the site was established under Pope Callixtus I in the early third century. The present basilica was largely constructed under Pope Innocent II between 1138 and 1148, partly using building materials recovered from the ruins of the ancient Baths of Caracalla. The twelve granite columns in the nave likewise originated from earlier Roman buildings.
The reverse depicts the Virgin Mary enthroned with the Christ Child, flanked by two angels. Before her kneels Pope Innocent II, who had the church rebuilt in the twelfth century. The design thus connects Clement XI’s restoration with one of his predecessors and the church’s medieval history. The depiction of the Virgin also recalls the celebrated icon known as the Madonna della Clemenza, still preserved in the basilica and regarded as one of the oldest surviving Marian icons in Rome.
The surrounding inscription DILEXI DECOREM DOMUS TUAE is taken from the Book of Psalms (26:8) and translates as “I have loved the beauty of thy house.” The words are particularly appropriate for a coin issued to commemorate the restoration of a church, bringing together the building’s history and religious significance.
The obverse portrays Clement XI wearing the distinctive papal cap known as the camauro. Born Giovanni Francesco Albani in Urbino in 1649, he had ascended the papal throne in 1700. The coin was engraved by Peter Paul Borner, whose name and initials appear on the obverse and reverse, respectively.
Papal States
Clement XI, Pope 1700–1721
Piastra 1702
Silver / 32.10 g / .917 / 45 mm
Rome
Engraver: Peter Paul Borner
Grade: 1+
Dav. 1429 / KM 664
In stock
