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Description: | A copper alloy gilt pierced medallion of post medieval date most probably post (1550 - 1750 AD). The medallion is corroded and also abraded and much of the information is obscured. The upper face (obverse) shows two heads conjoined reversible, Pope, wearing Papal Tiara and Devil. If the medal is held vertically one head (Pope) is seen and then when rotated 180 degrees the devil can be seen. Originally the detailing was very crisp - it is now worn. Around the external edge is the inscription in Latin [ECCLESIA.PERVERSA.TENET.FACIEM].(DIA)BO[LI]. This translates as the church perverted (or turned around) has the devil's look. The reverse face is similar showing two heads conjoined reversible, Cardinal and Fool. The inscription around the edge reads ST[VLT]I.A[LIQ]V[AN]DO..SAPIENTES which translates as "the wise are shown to be fools" The medallion is pierced in two places vertically aligned with the heads - the purpose of this is currently unclear; it is possible that this was to enable the object to be spun - like a childs buzz wheel toy. The piercing is later than the medallion as it cuts through the inscription; it seems to be formed by drilling rather than punching.The dating of this medal is reliant on the anti-catholic nature of British Society in the 17th century which saw the Roman church as a threat to its sovereignty. This style of medal is often attributed to the puritan movement, but reflects the underlying unease of many people as to the role of the Catholic Church post reformation. This is seen by many as a direct contributing factor in the civil unrest in the period post 1600, specifically The English Civil war, Popish Plot and the Glorious Revolution. It should also be noted that this style of medal is widely copied in the modern period and a number of 'fakes / copies' are knownA similar slightly smaller example can be seen on this database from Brailes, Warwickshire (WAW-76FB23 http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/236310) a further example can be seen from Islip, Northants LEIC-E7C175 (http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/289049) a further example can be seen converted into a pipe tamper from Chilton Foliat, Wiltshire (BERK-4181F5 http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/186280). A silver example is held by the British Museum (1987,0649.662) which is thought to be made in the low countries (Holland).The medal measures: 32.8mm diameter, is 2.9mm thick and weighs 10.26 grams. The drilled holes have a diameter of 1.8mm.Thanks are extended to Rob Webley for his comments and help.
Original Image | Publisher: | http://finds.org.uk | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/r... | Go to resource |
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