Papal Jerusalem Cross with “Jerusalem” Bar
Key Information:
• Country: Vatican City
• Issuer: Pope Leo XIII
• Type: Jerusalem Cross medal
• Period: Pontificate of Leo XIII (1878–1903)
• Material: white metal
• Dimensions: approx. 47.30 x 42.68 mm
• Ribbon: original Vatican ribbon
• Suspension: original suspension with “Jerusalem” bar
Medal Design:
For condition, please refer to the pictures, all dimensions are approx.
The obverse features a central medallion with the portrait of Pope Leo XIII, surrounded by the Jerusalem Cross with four smaller crosses. Around the central portrait is the Latin inscription:
LEO XIII P. M. CREAT AN. XIII
English translation: Leo XIII, Supreme Pontiff, created in the 13th year (of his pontificate).
Additional Latin inscriptions on the arms of the cross include:
AMOR – Love
CHRISTI – Of Christ
CRUCIFIXI – Crucified
TRAXIT NOS – Has drawn us
(“The love of the Crucified Christ has drawn us”)
The reverse depicts biblical scenes within the Jerusalem Cross, with inscriptions:
SACRI – Sacred
SIGNAVI – I have marked
ITINERIS – The journey
HIEROSOL – Jerusalem
Together referring symbolically to the sacred pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
The ribbon bar is stamped “JERUSALEM”, indicating association with pilgrimage or devotion connected to the Holy Land.
Condition:
Original medal in good vintage condition with age-appropriate wear and patina.
Ribbon shows wear, creasing, and age discoloration.
Suspension and Jerusalem bar intact.
For the condition, please refer to the pictures.
Historical and Collectible Significance:
Jerusalem Cross medals issued during the pontificate of Pope Leo XIII are closely associated with Catholic pilgrimages to the Holy Land in the late 19th century. These medals symbolized devotion, pilgrimage, and papal blessing, and were often worn by pilgrims or issued through ecclesiastical channels.
Examples with the Jerusalem bar are particularly desirable and more scarce than standard papal medals.
Summary:
Authentic Vatican Jerusalem Cross medal from the pontificate of Pope Leo XIII, complete with original ribbon and “Jerusalem” bar. A strong and attractive devotional medal with clear historical and pilgrimage significance.
For the condition, please refer to the pictures.