Leo XIII 1900-50 Jerusalem Cross of Honor

Jerusalem crosses of honor, in gold, silver and bronze, awarded to pilgrims and benefactors to the Holy Land. The cross bears two mottoes: CHRISTI AMOR CRUCIFIXI TRAXIT NOS ("The love of Christ Crucified has drawn us.") and SIGNUM SACRI ITINERIS HIEROSOLYMITANI ("A token of holy pilgrimage to Jerusalem."). Around the profile of Pope Leo XIII on the obverse, it reads: Leo XIII CREAVIT ANNO MCM ("Founded by Leo XIII 1900."). On the arms, four scenes are pictured: The Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Nativity, the Baptism of Our Lord and the Last Supper. On the reverse is a representation of the Resurrection. Around are the scenes of Jesus praying in the garden, scourged, crowned with thorns and crucified.

The Jerusalem Cross of Honor of this style was awarded from 1900 to about 1950. Each medal measures approx. 42mm in diameter and the frame here measures 7" by 10". A gold medal alone, in Choice XF condition and without a ribbon, sold at auction in 2010 for $287.50. This set = UNC.