060: Friday, March 1, 2013 – The Benemerenti (well-deserving) medal is awarded to people who have given “long and exceptional service” to the Roman Catholic Church.

This one was awarded by the controversial war-time pope, Pius XII (1939-1958), and another like it was awarded by him to Maria Augusta von Trapp in 1949 as recognition of her family’s Austrian aid programme. A fine example is probably worth about £160.