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Pope Benedict XVI Commemorative Medal
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
Pope Benedict XVI Commemorative Medal
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library

Pope Benedict XVI Commemorative Medal

Artifact SeriesHead of State Gifts
Artifact IDFO.704696
Object Type Medal, Commemorative
Gifter
Designer (Italian, 1969)
Intended Recipient (American, 1961)
Medium metal (gold, bronze), glass
DimensionsOverall H 3/8 in x Diam 5 3/8 in (1 cm x 13.7 cm )
Physical DescriptionGold commemorative medal enclosed in glass with a thick bronze edge decorated with grape vines and symbols including a shell, bear, pallium, and crowned person's profile. The front of the medal depicts an embossed profile of Pope Benedict the XVI. The back depicts an embossed scene with a shining cross above a ship draped with a ribbon that says "AVE MARIA STELLA" and sailing towards an arched opening with the words "SPE SALVI FACTI SUMUS."
Historical NoteReceived personally during an official state visit to Vatican City on July 10, 2009.
Custodial History / ProvenanceThe item was a gift from a foreign official to President Barack Obama during the Obama Administration. It was received through the Executive Office of the President and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January 2017 for deposit with the Obama Presidential Library.Additional Details
National Archives Catalog CollectionBarack Obama Artifact Collection (National Archives Identifier 63542091)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts of State (National Archives Identifier 66540607)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Possibly
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Obama Presidential Library. The Obama Presidential Library does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
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