Judaica / Zionism - Papal States (Vatican), Antisemitic Medal - Pope Benedict XIV, 1724

Judaica / Zionism - Papal States (Vatican), Antisemitic Medal - Pope Benedict XIV, 1724 Extremely rare antisemitic medal issued in the Papal States (Vatican) in 1724, marking the coronation of Pope Benedict XIV. The design carries subtle antisemitic and supersessionist symbolism - appropriating sacred Jewish Temple imagery to signify the Church’s “triumph” over Judaism. Obverse: Portrait of Pope Benedict XIV facing right, with the Latin inscription: “BENEDICTUS XIV PONT. MAX. A. I” - “Pope Benedict XIV, Year 1 of his pontificate.” Reverse: Depicts the Menorah, Ark of the Covenant, and trumpets, illuminated by rays of light, with a dove (Holy Spirit) above. Around, the legend reads: “DOMINUS ILLUMINATIO MEA” - “The Lord is my light, ” a biblical phrase reinterpreted within Christian theology. Below: inscription of the election and coronation dates in Roman numerals - MDCCXXIV (1724). A remarkable example of early 18th-century papal propaganda using Jewish symbols as part of Christian religious imagery, carrying undertones of religious supremacy. Material: Bronze Weight: 17.085 g Diameter: 30 mm