A Tribute to Human Rights and Global Solidarity
The 1973 Ceres FAO Rome Medal honoring Olave Baden-Powell stands among the most meaningful commemorative medals ever issued by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Struck to mark the 15th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948–1973), this lightweight aluminum piece celebrates women whose contribut
Olave Baden-Powell — the World Chief Gui and widow of“Toward Food, Educatio
Historical Context
In the early 1970s, the FAO (Food and Agri launched the “Cer medal p
Each edIndira Gandhi, Mother T, Sophia Loren, and Coretta Scott King — symb
The 1973 issue was minted in Rome, Italy, as part of the organization’s celebration of Human Rights Day, under the theme of advancing education and food accessibility for all.
Design and Description
Obverse (Front):
- Inscription: “CERES FAO ROME – OLAVE BADEN-POWELL”
- The design honors the recipient by name and emphasizes the medal’s connection to FAO headquarters in Rome.
Reverse (Back):
- Features a female bust facing left surrounded by the legend:
“TOWARD FOOD EDUCATION EMPLOYMENT FOR ALL – 1948–1973 – UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS.” - The reverse inscription embodies the FAO’s humanitarian purpose — nourishment, knowledge, and opportunity as universal rights.
Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Country of Issue | Italy |
| Year of Issue | 1973 |
| Type | Commemorative Medal |
| Series | FAO “Ceres” Program |
| Composition | Aluminium |
| Weight | 1.28 g |
| Diameter | 22.0 mm |
| Thickness | 1.52 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Edge | Plain |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Technique | Milled |
| Theme | Human Rights, FAO, Women Leaders |
Part of a Historic FAO Series
This medal belongs to the larger Ceres FAO Rome series, which paid tribute to women who changed history.
Other personalities featured include:
- Mother Teresa
- Indira Gandhi
- Margaret Mead
- Sophia Loren
- Coretta Scott King
- Farah Pahlavi
Together, these medals form a unique numismatic collection celebrating humanitarian leadership through the lens of art and coinage.
Market Value and Collectability
Though modest in material — struck in aluminum — the Ceres FAO Rome medals hold meaningful collectible and symbolic value. Their rarity depends on distribution region, with Italian and European examples appearing more often on secondary markets such as Numista and eBay.
1973 FAO Rome – Olave Baden-Powell Medal Value Guide
| Condition (Grade) | Estimated Value (USD) | Market Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Very Fine (VF) | $2 – $4 | Light handling or surface marks |
| Extremely Fine (XF) | $5 – $8 | Minor wear, good detail |
| About Uncirculated (AU) | $9 – $10 | Strong eye appeal |
| Uncirculated (UNC) | $11 – $15 | Typical collector-grade example |
| Proof / Mint Condition | $20+ | Scarce; usually from complete FAO sets |
Values are approximate and based on collector listings and recent online sales. Premiums apply for pristine examples or provenance-linked sets.
Availability
According to Numista, the medal carries a rarity index of 35/100, meaning it is moderately available — not extremely rare, but increasingly sought after.
Collectors can find it through European numismatic forums or swap platforms where it’s often traded between $6 and $15 depending on grade and completeness.
Why Collect This Medal
The 1973 Olave Baden-Powell medal represents a powerful intersection of art, history, and humanitarian ideals.
It honors women’s contributions to global development and symbolizes FAO’s enduring vision of equality through education and food access.
For numismatists, it’s not just another commemorative piece — it’s a story struck in metal, connecting global movements to the art of collecting.
Check Your Medal’s Value
You can verify your medal’s estimated worth using the Medal Value Checker at UniqueDollarChecker.com.
Compare real-time market data, auction results, and collector listings for all FAO Rome commemoratives and related Italian medals.
Final Thoughts
The 1973 Ceres FAO Rome – Olave Baden-Powell Medal may weigh only 1.28 grams, yet it carries a legacy of global compassion and empowerment.
It celebrates humanitarianism, leadership, and the right to food and education — ideals that remain just as vital today as they were in 1973.
Small in size but monumental in meaning, this medal is a must-have for collectors who value history with a human touch.
