1862 Pope Pius IX 26 Nagasaki Japanese Martyrs Medal EX RARE Pair

Description: 1862 Pope Pius IX 26 Nagasaki Japanese Martyrs Medal EX RARE Pair We have a very rare pair of medals here: each measures 51mm, copper medal weighs about 63.5g, while its silver counterpart weighing about 61.5g. These historically important medals were struck in 1862 to commemorate the crucifixion of 26 Japanese Catholics in 1597 at Nagasaki. I contacted the "Twenty-Six Martyrs Museum" in Nagasaki and was informed they did not own this rarity in their collection. Note: that museum was built in 1962 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the striking OF THESE MEDALS!!! I believe the only museum that has both the silver and copper specimens is the Vatican Collection. Those medals will never be offered for sale. Bartolotti lists the silver medal mintage as 75. Copper (bronze) mintage is unknown but thought to be much rarer than silver. Other than the Vatican piece and ours, I only know of one other. These medals are perhaps the most important, historical item of the Japanese Catholics. Highly sought and desirable! The last photo shows the proposed design dated 1862 that was never adopted (for illustration only and not a part of sale). And the photo that is before it shows the museum in Nagasaki. Here is a chance to add true rarities in your collection. Sold as a set only. It took me many years to find these medals.

Price: 998 USD

Location: Upstate, New York

End Time: 2024-12-11T22:03:44.000Z

Shipping Cost: 20 USD