Expert: Dmitry Livshits - 4/9/2010

Question
I have had a coin for a few years now that I never really thought anything about. It doesn't appear to be currency. On the front side of the coin it has a front facing bust and he appears to be wearing robes with what I believe to be the Virgin Mary on each shoulder. The front also reads " JOANNES PAVLVS II PONTIFEX MAXIMUS". On the rear there is the image of a crest overlaying two crossed skeleton keys, or what I believe to be the keys to paradise. The crest also has a cross on it, and the letter "M". It also reads, " A.D. MCMLXXVIII " across the top, and " TOTUS TUUS" on the bottom. I have looked up many coins depicting this pope and the wording from the front, but none of which had the front facing bust or the crest on the rear. I would appreciate any information that you could provide.

Answer
Hi Joshua,
I have actually sold one of these in the past. This is a commemorative medal, likely made in Rome but not the Vatican itself. There are many versions of this medal out there, all with about the same values. They are usually silver plate over base metal or nickel.
One in excellent condition, still shiny and without wear spots in the silver plate are worth $15 to $20. A worn looking example is worth $5 or less.
Thanks for the question! =)