ITALY. Gold Public Finance Merit Medal Class I, Instituted 3 May 1955. PCGS SPECIMEN-62.

Weight: 25.90 gms. Obverse: symbol of the Italian Republic, "Z" below with "917" stamped between indicating purity; Reverse: Five-line inscription reading "AI BENEMERITI DELLA PUBBLICA DINANZA" (To the meritorious of public finance) contained in an oak wreath. Struck in 22 carat gold, this medal was made to honor contributes to the fields of public finance and was issued between 1959 and 2001. This medal could be awarded in first, second, or third class in gold, silver, and bronze respectively. This nicely preserved medal offers flashy fields with slightly subdued brilliance amongst the frosted devices displaying an attractive pale golden coloration. It is interesting to note that according to the official governmental website "Presidenza Della Repubblcia", they have recorded recipients of these medals from 6 February 1960 up to 29 July 1991. During this time only 137 Class I Gold medals, 497 Class II Silver Medals and 1104 Class II Bronze medals had been issued.