Posted 9 years ago
moktarr
(1 item)
I am a metal detector hobbyist and live in one of the older cities in the USA. This item was found next to a river that had explorer and Jesuit activity on it as early as the 1620s.
I have been told that it is very old. One gentleman told me it is 15th-17th century and came over from Europe with a priest or monk.
I enjoy this piece because it is not common for around here. Most religious medals we find are aluminum or silver. I believe this one is brass or pewter.
It has Latin writing on both sides but the only word can make out is INFINITA, and that is on the side with Jesus.
If anyone knows anymore about how to date this piece or its country of origin that would be great.
Nice find.
Thanks. Wish I knew more about it. :)
Coins are tough when they are old. Perhaps someone here will know. Good luck.
Sooooo, what's the older city you detect in? What else did you find? We want to see!
I have found ancient copper tools, 3000-7000 years old. Some are in museums now, others were sold to private collectors.
Crotal bells, flat buttons, old coins, stuff like that.
gloria infinita is spanish . Hope that helps :-) very nice find
I have figure out two words. Starting from behind Jesus head.
Word 1. IESV (Jesus)
Word 2. Unknown. Looks like it ends with IVS
Word 3. INFINITAS (Endless)
Word 4. MISERER? and then more I cannot read.
Very cool find and it would be awesome to see the other finds too. Hopefully someone that knows the language will come on soon to lend you a hand.
Really nice find, congrats! From my days in the church choir, I believe it should probably be "Iesu, bonitas infinita miserere nobis", i.e. Jesus, infinite Goodness, have mercy on us.
OlofZ you are correct!! Would you know what the side with Mary on it would say?
Can't make out any letters, your photo is a bit out of focus over the top. Can you make out any letters?
First to look for would be AVE MARIA GRATIA PLENA DOMINUS TECUM
...with V as U: DOMINVS TECVM.
Keep it close--it found YOU!
Is that **NE CV** at the end? Another inscription that could fit, sometimes found on bronze medals of Mary: TV ES SPECVLVM SINE MACVLA.
Meaning "You are the unstained mirror" (of the majesty of God, and the image of his goodness)
In that case, having Mary on the back side would make sense, reflecting his goodness. Moreover the word bonitas in the Jesus inscription, goodness, is also found in the same bible verse describing Mary as the unstained mirror. Wisd. Sol. 7:26.
Look at this bronze medal from 1700's, quite a resemblance! Pretty sure it has looked something like this. (A bit further down the page):
https://www.etsy.com/listing/80130665/antique-religious-medal-saint-augustine
OlofZ, I have a number of medals from my grandmother that I may post soon, I hope you will take a look. :)