Minerva Holding an Olive Branch and a Spear [reverse] 1579

This 1579 bronze medal, created by the Italian artist Gaspare Romanelli, features a depiction of Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom, holding an olive branch and a spear. The inscription around the edge of the medal reads “INVENTA OLEA ET ALIRIA IN PACE” which translates to “Invented olives and laurel in peace”. The image of Minerva and the inscription on the medal likely symbolize the importance of peace and prosperity. Romanelli was an important medallist of the late Renaissance.