Medallion made from lava ejected by Mt. Vesuvius.  The medallion was made by pressing a molten piece of lava between two female dies.  The resulting low-relief designs depict the bust of Queen Victoria on the obverse and lettering on the reverse reading, “REGINA / VICTORIA / 1859 [or 1852; the final digit is unclear].”  Made in Naples, Italy; owned and donated by Bishop John Ireland.

For details, view the medallion in our online collections database.