Roma. Urbano VIII (Maffeo Barberini), 1623-1644. Medal year XVII/1644, AV 37.74 g. ø 43,3 mm. For the restoration and embellishment of the Quirinale Palace (opus: Gaspare Morone). VRBANVS VIII PONT MAX A XVII Bare-headed bust r., wearing cope decorated with cherubs and floral patterns; in the shoulder truncation, G.M.F. and, below, MDXXXX. All within laurel wreath. Rev. AD AEDIVM PONTIFICVM SECVRITATEM View of the Quirinale Palace, all within laurel wreath. Mazio 212. Bartolotti E640. Extremely rare. Good extremely fine NGC MS 63 (8913895-005) Ex NAC sale 60, 2011, 158. During the pontificate of Urban VIII the Quirinal Palace underwent important works of restoration, enlargement and embellishment, contributing significantly to the development of the complex as a papal residence. The gardens were extended towards the Quattro Fontane, enclosed by a new perimeter wall and enriched with fountains, while the quarters of the Swiss Guard were enlarged and the palace strengthened with defensive works. Urban VIII also commissioned Gian Lorenzo Bernini to design the Loggia delle Benedizioni, completed in 1638 above the principal entrance to the palace. The pope further had his summer apartments refurbished, incorporating Barberini emblems and a passage decorated with views of the principal architectural enterprises of his pontificate. These interventions transformed the Quirinal into a setting that combined papal residence, ceremonial representation and the architectural language of the early Baroque. Please find here the video of the coin