Leo XIII 1893 Jubilee, Church S. Gioacchino

Nice 1893 silver-over-zinc medal with proof-like surfaces--loop removed--for the Episcopal Jubilee of Leo XIII, or 50th anniversary of consecration as bishop. Reverse shows the Church of St. Joachim which was built for the occasion from worldwide donations. Medal designed by the Chief Engraver of the Mint of Rome, Luigi Giorgi, and includes the plush-lined cardboard holder.

It's reported that Leo XIII received not only thousands of pilgrims for the celebration and mass but also 6,000 telegrams, 16,000 letters as well as ambassadors or official expressions of regard from France, Austria, Spain, Portugal, Russia, England, Germany, Belgium, Bavaria, Switzerland, Greece, Holland, Romania, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Turkey and Persia.