Original Italian Commemorative Medal for the 1908 Calabro-Sicilian Earthquake
Key Information:
• Country: Italy
• Type: Commemorative Medal
• Event: Messina Earthquake
• Date: 28 December 1908
• Diameter: approx. 32.13 mm
• Material: Bronze
Medal Design:
Obverse:
Left-facing portrait of King Vittorio Emanuele III with surrounding inscription:
“VITTORIO EMANUELE III RE D’ITALIA”
Translation: Vittorio Emanuele III King of Italy
Reverse:
Wreath of oak branches surrounding the inscription:
“MEDAGLIA COMMEMORATIVA TERREMOTO CALABRO-SICULO 28 DICEMBRE 1908”
Translation: Commemorative Medal Calabro-Sicilian Earthquake 28 December 1908
Condition:
• Bronze surface with natural patina and signs of age
• Some spotting and minor wear visible
• Ribbon present and mounted
• For condition, please refer to the pictures, all dimensions are approx.
Historical and Collectible Significance:
This medal was issued following the devastating earthquake of 28 December 1908 that struck Messina and the Calabro-Sicilian region. It commemorates relief efforts and national response to one of the deadliest natural disasters in European history.
Medals related to the Messina earthquake are highly collectible due to their historical importance and connection to King Vittorio Emanuele III and early 20th-century Italian history.
Summary:
An original Italian Messina Earthquake Commemorative Medal 1908 in bronze with period ribbon. A historically important and desirable addition to any collection of Italian, disaster-related, or early 20th-century medals.