Pius IX 1849 Award Medal to Spanish Soldiers

1849 bronze medal, 31.8mm across, with nice, coppery toning, awarded to Spanish soldiers who supported Pope Pius IX against local republican opposition. In February 1849, five warships steamed to Gaeta from Barcelona, with three more from Cadiz following in May. In total, 4,000 Spanish soldiers were deployed in Gaeta and placed at the Pope's disposition.