First Annual Medal of Pope Leo XIV by Amalia Mistichelli

The first annual medal of Pope Leo XIV has been struck, created by medallist Amalia Mistichelli. Breaking with tradition, the obverse features the papal coat of arms rather than the pope's bust, continuing a practice initiated by Paul VI and later Francis. The coat of arms is divided diagonally: upper left shows a white lily on blue symbolizing purity and the Virgin Mary; lower right depicts a closed book with a red heart pierced by an arrow, emblem of the Augustinian Order to which Pope Prevost belongs, along with the motto 'In Illo uno unum' ('In the one Christ we are one'). The reverse illustrates a scene from the Council of Nicaea (325 AD), featuring Saint Nicholas of Myra holding a stone that miraculously emitted fire, water, and air, symbolizing the Holy Spirit. The medal is produced in gold, silver, and bronze by AVS Manufatti Metalli of Pognano, Bergamo, and sold by the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See. The gold edition (44 mm, 60 g) costs €10,000; a triptych including gold, silver, and bronze versions is €10,500; the silver medal (40 g) is €250; the bronze is €100. Only 60 gold copies exist, 30 of which are part of triptychs.