History

The Medal was founded by the Umberto I and it was conferred upon individuals and groups, especially teachers, for merit in teaching and spreading Italian culture and language.

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.

There are many variations in the form and design of these medals. Variations that exist include the direction the portrait faces, the inscriptions on the obverse and reverse, the stamped mark of engravers, the images on the reverse medallion, and the inclusion of recipient details on the reverse medallion.

The Type II medals were awarded during the reign of Victor Emmanuel III and feature his left or right facing portrait on the obverse medallion.