Shield with the Arms of Barbo [reverse]

Roman 15th Century

National Gallery of Art

This is a photograph of an old coin or medallion with a coat of arms and Latin inscription. The round object features a shield at the center with a lion in a rampant position bisected by a diagonal band. Above the shield is a helmet-like element with a scrolling foliage design. The shield is flanked by strands that resemble tassels. Around the edge of the object are the words "CONDIT ANNO CHRISTI MD CCLIV HAS AEDES," meaning "in the year of Our Lord 1654 these houses were founded." The material appears to be tarnished metal with a patina.