Medal of Pontifical Decoration Order of St. Sylvester or St. Gregory the Great, Pontiff: Pius IX.

Medal or Star of pontifical decoration Order of St. Sylvester or St. Gregory the Great, Pontiff: Pius IX (1846 - 1878).
In 14 Kt. gold, blue and white vitreous enamel, silver (embossed base).
Enameled, embossed and engraved gold work.
Requires restoration on the anchor leg.
Measurements: 5.76 cm (diameter).

This star-shaped pontifical decoration is an exceptional piece made of 14 carat gold, with blue and white vitreous enamel on an embossed silver base, possibly awarded during the pontificate of Pius IX. Its shape corresponds to a radiant eight-pointed star, superimposed on a textured background of silver rays in hemispheres.

In the center one can clearly read the golden inscription "PIVS IX" on a white enameled background, surrounded by a golden ring with the Latin legend:
"VIRTUTI ET MERITO", ("To virtue and merit"), traditional motto of several pontifical knightly orders.

This type of insignia most probably corresponds to a star of the Order of St. Sylvester or St. Gregory the Great, both reformed by Pius IX in the 19th century and awarded to Catholic laymen who had rendered outstanding services to the Church.

The high quality workmanship reflects 19th century Roman religious goldsmithing practices, and on the reverse is usually found the signature "Pierret Roma", identifying the goldsmith Louis Pierret, a renowned jeweler and medallist based in Rome and a regular supplier to the Vatican at the time.

Pius IX is the pope with the longest pontificate in modern history, and under his leadership the Vatican consolidated the system of pontifical orders as a form of recognition for outstanding faithful. The orders of St. Sylvester and St. Gregory the Great were reformed in 1841 and 1831 respectively, and their production was entrusted to highly prestigious Roman workshops such as Pierret.

The star presented here reflects that moment of ecclesiastical splendor, where Vatican diplomacy and honorary recognitions to artists, diplomats, nobles and benefactors were manifested in objects like this one: charged with symbolism, beauty and material value.