Vatican, Papal State. A Bene Merenti Medal, C.1918 consisting of a blue enamelled Romanian Cross with clusters of nine gilt rays in eac visor eagle (missing prong)

visor eagle (missing prong)

support of the Holy See

the latter with tears on the right side

with a white enamel surround inscribed ΙΣΧΥΣ ΜΟΥΗ ΑΓΑΠΗ ΤΟΥ ΛΑΟΥ

Vatican, Papal State. A Bene Merenti Medal, C.1918 consisting of a blue enamelled Romanian Cross with clusters of nine gilt rays in eac visor eagle (missing prong)Pope Benedict XV, 1914 1922. Bronze Bene Merenti medal, with obverse bearing a bust of Pope Benedict XV, encircled by the Keys of St. Peter and inscribed Benedictvs XV, Pont Max, reverse bearing Latin Bene Merenti (translation: For Merit), in original case of issue, case with seal of Vatican on the exterior, measuring at 41. 60mm (w) x 66. 07 (h to top of ring suspension), weighing 46. 8 grams, with original ribbon.