Enameled Saint Benedict Medal Charm

This is a circular religious charm or pendant featuring the back side of the Jubilee Medal of Saint Benedict. The item is constructed from a gold-toned metal, likely gold-plated brass or low-karat gold, and features vibrant cloisonné or hard enamel work. The color palette includes a light blue outer border, a deep ruby red interior background, and dark blue circular inserts for the individual letters. Centered on the piece is the cross of Saint Benedict, which contains the letters 'C S S M L' on the vertical bar and 'N D S M D' on the horizontal bar. The four quadrants around the cross contain the letters 'C S P B' (Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti). The light blue outer margin is inscribed with the initials of the Vade Retro Satana exorcism prayer: 'V R S N S M V - S M Q L I V B'. This specific colorful enamel style is characteristic of mid-to-late 20th-century religious jewelry. The medal measures approximately 15-20mm in diameter. Condition-wise, it shows minor surface scratches and slight tarnishing on the metal edges consistent with age and occasional wear. The jump ring at the top indicates it was intended for use on a bracelet or necklace chain. The craftsmanship shows well-defined lettering and crisp separation between the enamel colors, suggesting a quality commercial production.

Based on my visual examination of the Jubilee Medal of Saint Benedict, I have assessed this piece as a high-quality mid-to-late 20th-century religious charm. The item features exceptional cloisonné enamel work with a complex four-color palette. The condition is graded as 'Good to Fine'; while the enamel remains intact without significant chipping—a common pitfall for these pieces—the gold-toned metal exhibits patina and micro-abrasions consistent with its age as a vintage devotional object. The market for Saint Benedict medals is robust due to their perceived protective qualities. However, most modern examples are mass-produced in base metal or simple sterling silver. This specific enameled variant is more desirable to collectors of 'sacred jewelry' than standard stamped medals. Comparables for vintage enameled medals of this scale typically realize between $40 and $90 at boutique antique retailers or specialized online religious markets. A significant limitation of this appraisal is the inability to determine the base metal via image alone. While I suspect gold-plated brass or 'silver gilt' based on the wear patterns, if the substrate is 14k solid gold, the value would increase to approximately $250-$400 based on weight. A full authentication would require a physical acid test or XRF (X-ray fluorescence) scan to determine metal purity. Furthermore, an in-person inspection under 10x magnification would be necessary to confirm if the enamel is true glass-fired cloisonné or a modern cold resin, the latter of which would reduce the value by approximately 30%.