Vatican, Papal States. An Order of Christ, Breast Star, c.1850

Instituted March 14, 1319 by Pope John XXII. A rare and beautiful star, comprising a silver eight point star with clusters of smooth rays, the central medallion in Gold featuring a red and white enamelled Latin cross encircled by a Gold wreath, the reverse offers a dual prong vertical suspension, with six rivets on the base to affix the cross and wreath, the star measures 75.1 mm (w) x 74.1 mm (h), weighs 45.29 grams, enamels intact, light patina to the silver, a truly lovely decoration in extremely fine condition. 

Footnote: In 1905, the honours awarded by the papacy were reorganized, and this Order was made the highest ranking papal Order by Pope Pius. Prior to 1905 the Order was known as the Order of Christ, but the name was changed in 1905 to the Supreme Order of Christ.

This Order is traditionally awarded to Catholic Heads of State, or to anyone the Pope deems worthy. In 1966, Pope Paul VI restricted the recipients to Catholic Heads of State, and made it so that it could only be conferred on extraordinary commemorative or celebratory occasions in the presence of the Pope. Thus the modern Order is rarely awarded.