Jubilee Year 2000 Commemorative Sterling Silver Egg
Decorative Object (Commemorative Egg) · Vatican-authorized silversmith; often associated with Italian workshops like those of Commendatore and the Pontifical Council for Social Communications for the Great Jubilee.
Pattern: Great Jubilee 2000 (Anno Santo); specifically featuring the Jubilee 2000 logo (five doves forming a cross).
Type
Decorative Object (Commemorative Egg)
Maker
Vatican-authorized silversmith; often associated with Italian workshops like those of Commendatore and the Pontifical Council for Social Communications for the Great Jubilee.
Material
Likely Sterling Silver (.925) or high-grade Silver Plate (EPNS/EPBM). Given the heavy oxidation in crevices and the 2000 commemorative nature, it is typically produced in .925 sterling or 800 silver with a weighted plaster core.
Dimensions
Standard collector egg size; approximately 6-8 cm (2.4-3.1 inches) in height. Weight varies significantly if the piece is hollow or weighted, typically 150-250 grams total weight.
Description
A striking commemorative silver egg created for the Year 2000 Jubilee. The central motif features two winged angels holding a circular medallion containing the official Jubilee logo—five stylized doves representing the five continents surrounding a cross. Below the figures, a flowing banner prominently displays the year '2000'. The piece utilizes deep oxidation to create dramatic shadows, giving the celestial figures a monumental, sculptural quality reminiscent of Roman cathedral architecture.
Key Features
Official Jubilee 2000 logo with five doves; distinctive '2000' banner; angelic iconography with feathered wing texture; egg-shaped 'Fabergé-style' modern interpretation.
Material & Composition
Likely Sterling Silver (.925) or high-grade Silver Plate (EPNS/EPBM). Given the heavy oxidation in crevices and the 2000 commemorative nature, it is typically produced in .925 sterling or 800 silver with a weighted plaster core.
Finish & Decoration
High-relief repoussé and chasing depicting two angels flanking the Great Jubilee logo. Features a darkened antique/oxidized patina to accentuate details. Design style is Neoclassical with Byzantine/Eastern Orthodox iconographic influences.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Typically found on the lower rim or base. Expected marks include a '925' or '800' fineness stamp, an Italian province lozenge (e.g., star-number-initials), and the Jubilee 2000 trademark/Vatican emblem.
Construction Details
Cast or die-struck in halves and professionally joined. The high relief suggests a casting method followed by hand-finishing or heavy mechanical stamping on high-pressure dies.
Functional Features
Purely decorative commemorative object. Often designed to sit on a separate tripod or ring stand (not visible in image).
Handle & Grip Details
None; handheld egg-shaped form. The surface is textured by the relief to provide grip.
Craftsmanship Details
Highly detailed die-work; the angel faces and feathers show precise definition. The banner text is cleanly cast, indicating a high-quality production run for the millennium anniversary.
Authentication Indicators
Alignment with known Vatican-licensed Jubilee 2000 merchandise; characteristic Italian high-relief manufacturing; presence of the registered trademark logo.
Origin & Manufacturing
Italy, likely Rome or the Vicenza/Arezzo silver manufacturing hubs, commissioned for religious souvenir or diplomatic gift markets.
Era & Period
Modern Era / Millennium Commemorative (2000); designed in the late 1990s for the Great Jubilee of the Catholic Church.
Age Estimate
Circa 2000. Produced specifically for the Holy Year (Annus Sanctus) celebrations.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Great Jubilee' called by Pope John Paul II. It served as a symbolic object of pilgrimage and a marker of the transition into the third millennium of Christianity.
Condition Notes
Good condition. Displays visible surface oxidation and tarnish in deeper recesses (intentional for contrast but possibly excessive). No major dents or structural deforms visible. Surface level: Very Good.
Value Estimate
$150 - $400 USD. Value depends heavily on whether it is solid sterling, high-grade 800 silver, or a weighted piece, as well as the presence of the original presentation box.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid chemical dips which will strip the intentional oxidation from the crevices. Use a soft silver polishing cloth (Cape Cod or Wright's) only on the high-points to maintain the contrast of the design.
Similar Pieces
Fabergé Imperial Eggs (historical/high value), Franklin Mint commemorative eggs (commercial/silver plate), and limited edition Russian enamel eggs.
Interesting Facts
The Jubilee 2000 logo was designed by Maria Cristina Mainoldi, a student at the Scuola dell'Arte della Medaglia. It symbolizes the light of Christ and the unity of the five continents.