Pius IV (1559-65) Construction of Porta Pia

Medal for the construction of the Porta Pia which was commissioned by Pope Pius IV and was Michelangelo's last architectural work. Original medal utilizing an obverse by Alessandro Cesati and reverse by Gianfederico Bonzagni, with, not unusual, loss of gilding. Discretely holed twice and ex-mounted. C.N.O.R.P. (Modesti) #527; Rarity = 3/5.

The Porta Pia, a gate in the Aurelian Walls, was designed by Michelangelo, though when finished it showed considerable variation from the design on the medal. The building work was completed in 1565 after Michelangelo's death.