17th century Italian gilt bronze papal medal or scudo, 1690, with the obverse depicting a bust of Pope Alexander VIII (born as Pietro Vito Ottoboni, 1610-1691), and the reverse depicting billowing incense. It was sculpted by Giovanni Martino Hamerani (ca. 1646-1705), of the two-century Hamerani dynasty that dominated Vatican coinage for a long time. The obverse shows Pope Alexander VIII wearing a papal tiara and a picture of Saint Bruno along his collar. The text surrounding him below a dotted border reads "ALEXAN VIII. PONT. M. A. I." with the sculptor's signature "HAMERAN" along the lower left. The reverse depicts a censer blowing out smoke, surrounded by text beneath a dotted border that reads "SVAVITATE," which means "with suavitas," or sweetness. This was the motto of Pope Alexander VIII who prided himself on being like a Robin Hood figure, redistributing the wealth of the Vatican and giving it to the poor. However, he was greatly nepotistic in that a great amount of the wealth and offices were given to his relatives, such as Pietro Ottoboni, his grandnephew. Diameter: 1 1/4 in. Please contact us for a detailed condition report. Please note that the lack of a condition statement does not imply perfect condition. Email condition@revereauctions.com with any condition questions.