Mandorla
Mandorla. Shaped like an almond. The shape is symbolic of a glory or divine light for a full figure. Often saints or the Virgin Mary in full figure are shown in a mandorla panel. Religious medals, charms and seals in the shape of a mandorla are common. If both ends of the oval are pointed the shape is known as vesica piscis. See full figure, unusual shapes.
excerpted with permission from
An Encyclopedia of Coin and Medal Technology
For Artists, Makers, Collectors and Curators
COMPILED AND WRITTEN BY D. WAYNE JOHNSON
Roger W. Burdette, Editor