Medal of Recognition for Services Rendered During the Cholera Epidemic

A cholera epidemic originating in India in 1817 affected all of Europe between 1823 and 1838. The Papal States were severely impacted in 1835 and 1836. A medal for services rendered during this epidemic was created in 1837. Made of silver, with a diameter of 37 mm, its obverse depicts the left profile of Pope Gregory XVI, encircled by the legend "GREGORIUS. XVI. PONT. MAX. A VII." On the reverse, the inscription "SOLATORI AEGROTORUM ANNO MDCCCXXXVII" is found within a wreath of two oak branches joined at the bottom by a large knot. The recipient's name is engraved circularly outside the wreath. According to the design reproduced in Giacchieri, the ribbon would consist of three equal bands: white, black, white. The specimen from the Spada collection features a ribbon consistent with another description, that of Heyden, i.e., black and white with alternating black and white edges. Bronze medals have been observed; these are considered strike proofs.