Umbria-Marche Earthquake Medal

Product overview

The Medaglia Terremoto Umbria Marche is a 37 mm bronze patinated merit medal created to recognize civil, military and volunteer personnel who took part in relief operations after the September–October 1997 earthquake in Umbria and Marche. It is intended for eligible members of Protezione Civile and other verified responders, and is also of interest to collectors of military surplus, tactical and duty memorabilia.

Definition: this is an official-style benemerenza (merit) medal instituted by the Minister of the Interior to commemorate service during the 1997 Umbria–Marche seismic crisis.

Main features

Key physical and symbolic features of the Medaglia Terremoto Umbria Marche:

• Material and size: 37 mm diameter, bronze patinated finish.
• Obverse design: map areas of the affected regions with their emblems and concentric rings representing seismic waves.
• Edge inscriptions: reads "crisi sismica umbro-marchigiana del settembre ottobre 1997" and "Partecipazione agli interventi di protezione civile".
• Reverse design: Italian peninsula with the Protezione Civile emblem, "Benemerenza" above, and "Presidenza del Consiglio dei Ministri" / "Dipartimento della protezione civile" on the rim.
• Ribbon: green ribbon symbolizing hope and renewal, with two red pales at the sides and two vertical white pales on the green field.
• Availability: limited quantities and sold under verification to eligible recipients.

How to use / When it’s useful

Quick answer: the medal is a wearable or display item for those officially involved in the 1997 relief efforts and for verified collectors of civil protection memorabilia. It serves as a recognition piece and a historical keepsake.

In most cases, this medal is kept for formal wear at commemorative events or preserved in a display case. If you are considering purchase, prepare the required documentation proving involvement in Protezione Civile operations during the 1997 crisis; sales are subject to verification.

Care and notes

Basic care and important notes for owners and prospective buyers:

• Store the medal in a dry place and avoid prolonged exposure to moisture.
• Clean gently with a soft, dry cloth; avoid abrasive cleaners or chemical polishes that may alter the patina.
• Sale is restricted: purchasers must provide official documentation proving participation in the 1997 protection activities.
• Limited availability — quantities are small due to the medal's commemorative nature.

FAQ

Q: Who can purchase the Medaglia Terremoto Umbria Marche?

A: Purchase is reserved for individuals who can provide official documentation proving their involvement in Protezione Civile operations during the 1997 Umbria–Marche seismic crisis. All orders are verified before fulfillment.

Q: What size and material is the medal?

A: The medal is 37 mm in diameter and made of bronze with a patinated finish, as described in the official specification.

Q: What do the images and inscriptions mean?

A: The obverse shows the affected regions and seismic-wave rings; inscriptions record the crisis period and participation in civil protection. The reverse features the Italian peninsula with the Protezione Civile emblem and official issuing authorities.

Q: What is the ribbon symbolism?

A: The green ribbon symbolizes hope and renewal; the red and white pales represent solidarity and unity shown during the emergency response.

Q: Is this an official government decoration?

A: The medal was instituted by the Minister of the Interior as a benemerenza (merit decoration) to recognize service during the 1997 crisis. Sales are controlled and require verification of eligibility.

Q: How do I prove my eligibility to buy?

A: Provide a copy of official documentation that demonstrates your role in Protezione Civile operations during the 1997 earthquake. Exact document requirements will be confirmed during the verification process.

Tip: Before ordering, confirm your eligibility and have documentation ready; choose the 37 mm variant as required and consider browsing related civil protection and commemorative items for matching display accessories.