Giovanni Meli

It was during this early period of his life that he discovered the bucolic poets and the poetic value of his native Sicilian language, which he used thereafter in all of his literary works.

On the tondello (made in gold - unique example -, in silver and in bronze) the face of the poet with a graduate head is depicted on the obverse, while on the reverse the Meli is consecrated as the new "Sicilian Anacreon".

The only example in gold was delivered to Meli, together with an autograph letter sent on August 12 from Naples by Prince Leopold himself, composed as follows: " Abate Meli you liked to associate mine with your great name, dedicating your immortal poems to me, and you did it with so much spirit and with so much heart, that I would not be able to show you my liking enough: I should be showing you my particular esteem for your poetic talents and for your valuable personal qualities.

I prefer to unite my desires with those of all the good ones, so that you may live long in virtue, and of the Letters of which you are the delight and the adornment.

I have procured to eternalize my admiration for you, by having a Medal coined in your honor, like one in gold for you, and others in silver and bronze for your friends, and with these the assurances of my particular consideration ”.