Paul III (1534-49) Silver Bianco NGC VF35

Pope Paul III (1534-1549) silver Bianco, Bologna mint. Obverse: PAVLVS III PONT MAX, bust right, wearing cope on which appear fleurs-de-lis. Reverse: BONONIA MATER STVDIORVM, lion rampant left, holding banner. NGC Very Fine 35 with some iridescent toning.

A true Renaissance pope, Paul III favored artists, writers and scholars. He restored Rome university, enriched the Vatican library and used the talents of painters and architects, notably Michelangelo, whom he commissioned to complete the Last Judgement in the Sistine Chapel and to supervise work on the new St. Peter's.