Fréjus France and Bari Italy Maritime Commemorative Medal from 1962

This item is an official bronze commemorative award medal issued by the Hellenic Navy (Πολεμικό Ναυτικό). The medal is just under 3 inches in diameter and is made of patinated struck bronze.  The medal is in its original blue plastic presentation case with interior velvet lining.

This medal was minted in 1962 to celebrate the formal twinning (sister city) relationship and cultural alliance established between the maritime cities of Fréjus, France, and Bari, Italy. Following World War II, a major diplomatic movement swept Europe to pair cities together to foster peace, reconciliation, and economic exchange. In 1962, the municipal governments of Fréjus and Bari signed an official pact. 

These high-relief bronze medallions were commissioned from Courbier in a limited run. They were presented by municipal leadership to naval commanders, diplomatic dignitaries, and cultural delegates during the initial exchange ceremonies in 1962. This version of this medal carries the reverse text "COLONIA PACENSIS MCMLXII" (meaning Colonia Pacensis 1962), confirming the exact timeline of the design's mintage.

Measures 3" across