The Military Corps of the Italian Red Cross have acted as an auxiliary unit of the Italian Armed Forces since June 1st of 1866. Although they fall under the uauthority of the Red Cross they wear Italian Military uniforms and are subject to military command when in an oparational area.
The Military Corps as well as the National Voluntary Nurses unit are mobilized by the National President of the Italian Red Cross at the request of the Italian Ministry of defence to lend aid to the armed forces. Their durties include providing health facilities in national and international missions, providing doctors, nurses and equipment that are not directly maintained by or available from the armed force. In addition to their auxiliary role to the Italian Armed Forces they also take part in rescue operations and provide aid during public, national and international disasters.
Italy 2016 Silver 5 Euro coin for Military Corps of the Italian Red Cross Reverse
This year the Italian Mint(Instituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato) honours these brave men and women, who so selflessly give of themselves to provide aid in times of crisis. The silver 5 Euro coin commemorates 150 years since the establishment of the Military Corps of the Italian Red Cross.
The obverse of the coin prominantly features the expertly engraved emblem of the Military Corps of the Italian Red Cross. The cross at the center of the emblem has been treated wit a red enamel finish. A banner just below the emblim bears the motto of the Corps :“INTER ARMA CARITAS”. While “REPUBLICA ITALIANA” appears above.
Italy 2016 Silver 5 Euro coin for Military Corps of the Italian Red Cross Obverse
The reverse features a memner of the Italian Red Cross Militay Corps cradling a small child while on a humanitarian mission. The denomination of “5 EURO” appears below him and the dates”1866 – 2016” to the left. To the right the legend “CROCE ROSSA ITALIANA CORPO MILITARE” in a semi circle.
The 32mm sterling silver(.925 Fineness) coin weighs 18gram and is available in a special uncirculated finish with a limited mintage of 7000 coins. No official word on a proof coin has been confirmed yet. The uncirculated coin has been made available for €40.00 each from the IPZS.
