History

The Medal was founded by Umberto I as part of the initiative to combat the high level of illiteracy in Italy.

This Medal was conferred by Umberto I upon elementary and primary school educators who were chosen by the Minister Secretary of State for Public Education. It could also be awarded to educations institutions and civilians for charitable contributions.

Individual recipients were required to have rendered a minimum of 4 years of exemplary and meritorious service in an elementary school, or within child education. Their length of service in specific regions, the number of students taught, and the level of the exiting students were also considered when determining the grade awarded to a recipient.

The two main Types of the Medal can be divided by the ruler under which a medal was awarded, either Umberto I or Victor Emmanuel III.

The Type II medals were awarded during the reign of Victor Emmanuel III, feature his portrait on the obverse medallion, may or may not be stamped with an engraver mark, and feature several variations on the reverse inscription. The medals with the reverse inscription “AI BENEMERITI DELLA POPOLARE ISTRUZIONE” may have the engraver marks "REGIA ZECCA," "G.TUA TORINO," "LG Z," "L.GIORGI," or have no mark at all. The medals with the reverse inscription “MINISTERO D’EDUCAZIONE NAZIONALE AI BENEMERITI DELLA POPOLARE ISTRUZIONE” may have the engraver mark "S.J.," or have no mark at all.

The Gold Medal was awarded in recognition of a minimum of 8 years of meritorious service.