Italy. 1969 Pontifical Academy of Sciences Pius XI Medal. By Aurelio Miztruzzi. Gold. Gifted to Edwin Aldrin by Pope Paul VI. Mint State. 70 mm, .917 fine. 215.8 grams, 197.8 grams AGW. <strong>Obv</strong>: Left facing bust of Pius XI at center, PIVS . XI . PONTIFEX . MAXIMVS . FVNDATOR around, signed MISTRVZZI to the right of the bust. <strong>Rev</strong>: PONTIFICIA . ACADEMIA . SCIENTIARVM around periphery, a simple wreath within, PAULUS PP. VI / EDVINO ALDRIN / DONO DEDIT / A.D. MCMLXIX in raised letting at center, hallmarked (?)917 at 6 oclock. <strong>Edge</strong>: plain. Beautiful, bright golden surfaces are expertly preserved and satiny smooth. Housed in a cream leather case with functional spring clasp and gilt papal seal at top. The matching plush and silk interior is unmarked. Contemporary accounts of Pope Paul VI describe him as being especially interested in space travel. He, along with millions of others throughout the world on July 29th, 1969 watched on television as the astronauts first landed and walked on the moon. A few minutes after landing, he sent them a message of blessing, salutations and honor. He also sent a special blessing with other world leaders on a silicon disc that was left on the Moons surface. When the astronauts and their wives were granted an audience with Pope Paul VI on October 16th of 1969 as part of the Giant Step tour, he presented them with multiple gifts and medals. Interestingly, this one, a Pius XI award, is not listed as an official award to Aldrin from the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and instead appears to be a personal gift from Pope Paul VI himself. The words "dono dedit" (as a gift) allude to this. None of the other Pius XI medals we have researched contain such language. As such, this medal is one of a highly personal nature from the head of the Catholic church to one of the most famous astronauts of all time. We anticipate aggressive competition among collectors when it crosses the block so be prepared with only the strongest of bids. From the Wendy and Harris Lefkon Collection.
