Saint Benedict Jubilee Medal Pendant
Jewelry (Religious Pendant) · Mass-produced by various devotional manufacturers; common makers include Creed, Bliss, or various Italian workshops. This specific examples design follows the 1880 Jubilee model from Monte Cassino.
Pattern: Saint Benedict Jubilee Pattern (Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti)
Type
Jewelry (Religious Pendant)
Maker
Mass-produced by various devotional manufacturers; common makers include Creed, Bliss, or various Italian workshops. This specific examples design follows the 1880 Jubilee model from Monte Cassino.
Material
Likely gold-plated base metal or gold-plated sterling silver (Vermeil). The brassy/yellow hue suggests gold-plating over a base metal rather than solid high-karat gold or white silver.
Dimensions
Approximately 20mm to 25mm in diameter (standard medium pendant size). Weight estimated between 3 to 7 grams depending on the base metal density and thickness.
Description
A gold-toned Saint Benedict Jubilee medal, a significant Christian sacramental. The obverse displays the Benedictine Cross, laden with initials representing Latin prayers for protection and exorcism. The circular form and centered cross provide a balanced, geometric aesthetic that is both deeply symbolic and stylistically timeless in religious jewelry.
Key Features
The 'Vade Retro Satana' (Begone Satan) initials in the border and the 'Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux' (May the Holy Cross be my light) initials on the cross arms.
Material & Composition
Likely gold-plated base metal or gold-plated sterling silver (Vermeil). The brassy/yellow hue suggests gold-plating over a base metal rather than solid high-karat gold or white silver.
Finish & Decoration
Die-struck relief with a polished gold-tone finish. Features a central cross with Latin initials (C S S M L - N D S M D), surrounded by an outer ring of exorcism initials (V R S N S M V - S M Q L I V B), and the word PAX (Peace) at the top.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Indistinct in the image. Typically found on the bail (the loop) or the reverse edge. Common marks for this style include 'ITALY', '925' (if silver), or '14K' (if solid gold). Many base metal versions are unstamped.
Construction Details
Machine die-struck or cast. The crispness of the lettering suggests a die-striking process where a metal blank is pressed between two steel dies. Attached to a simple jump ring and bail.
Functional Features
Suspension bail for wear on a neck chain. The reverse side (not seen but traditional) would feature St. Benedict holding a cross and his Rule, with a raven and a chalice.
Handle & Grip Details
Simple fixed or articulated bail at the 12 o'clock position, typically made of the same material as the medal; prone to wear from chain friction.
Craftsmanship Details
Commercial grade die-striking. High legibility and clean borders, though lacks the fine hand-finishing or chasing found in artisanal silver pieces.
Authentication Indicators
Symmetry of the lettering, standard Jubilee design layout. Authentication of metal requires testing the bail and conducting an acid test for gold vs. plating.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely Italy or the United States. Italy is the primary global producer of Catholic devotional medals using traditional die-striking techniques.
Era & Period
Modern mass-production, though the 'Jubilee' design was first struck in 1880 to commemorate the 1400th anniversary of Benedict's birth. This specific piece is a contemporary 20th or 21th-century replica.
Age Estimate
Modern (circa 1990-2024). The surface finish and manufacturing style are consistent with contemporary religious giftware.
Cultural Significance
Highly significant in Catholic culture as a sacramental for protection. It represents the monastic tradition of St. Benedict and the emphasis on spiritual warfare and peace (PAX).
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good. Slight surface wear consistent with daily use. The gold plating appears intact but may show thin spots on the high relief edges upon closer inspection.
Value Estimate
$10 - $40 if gold-plated base metal; $50 - $120 if sterling silver vermeil; significantly higher if solid 14k gold. Value is primarily based on metal content and religious sentiment rather than antique rarity.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a very soft cloth and mild soapy water. Avoid jewelry dips or abrasive polishes which will strip the gold plating from the base metal. Store in a dry pouch to prevent oxidation of the underlying metal.
Similar Pieces
Miraculous Medal (Virgin Mary), St. Christopher Medals, or older Benedictine medals that lack the Jubilee border text.
Interesting Facts
The medal is often called the 'Devil-chasing Medal' due to the exorcism formula inscribed on it. It is one of the few medals in the Catholic Church that can be specifically blessed with a special exorcism prayer.