1 Piastra - Clemente XI DILEXI DECOREM DOMVS TVAE - Santa Maria in Trastevere
1702 year| Silver (.917) | 32.10 g | 45 mm |
| Issuer | Papal States |
|---|---|
| Pope | Clement XI (Clemens XI) (1700-1721) |
| Type | Circulating commemorative coin |
| Year | 1702 |
| Value | 1 Piastra (1.05) |
| Currency | Scudo (1534-1835) |
| Composition | Silver (.917) |
| Weight | 32.10 g |
| Diameter | 45 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-09 |
| Numista | N#29396 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 92% |
Reverse
Our Lady of St. Mary in Trastevere with child seated on throne, on either side a standing angel.
In front Innocent II kneeling. Date in exergue.
Engraver's initials on the lower base of the throne.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
DILEXI • DE COREM • DOMVS • TVÆ
P.P.B
• 1702 •
Translation: I loved the beauty of your home
Engraver: Peter Paul Borner
Edge
Plain
Comment
This coin was minted to commemorate the restoration of the façade of the church by Carlo Fontana in 1702, who replaced the ancient porch with a sloping tiled roof with the present classicizing one.
The actual structure was realized by the Pope Innocent II, who rebuild in 1138-1148 the church with materials coming from Caracalla Baths; the original was founded by Callisto I in 217-222.
The obverse image is similar to the Icon of the Madonna della Clemenza (or Madonna Theotókos), from VI century, conserved inside the Basilica.
Info about the Basilica here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Maria_in_Trastevere
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it was minted during the reign of Pope Clement XI, who was known for his efforts to restore the Catholic Church's authority and influence in Europe. The coin's design, which features the image of Santa Maria in Trastevere, a church in Rome, reflects the Pope's dedication to the Catholic faith and his desire to promote the Church's teachings through art and architecture.
