Duke Ernst I of Saxon Altenburg established the Medal for Art and Science on December 30, 1874. The medal was awarded in gold (silver gold) and in silver, with and without a crown. Medals were awarded for special services and outstanding achievements in the field of art and science. No bylaws or awarding regulations were passed. Rewarding with a crown should be considered the highest degree.
The duke initially wanted, as in Saxony, to establish an honorary cross in Coburg and Gotha. However, then he decided on a medal. The stamps of the medal were made by Professor Ferdinand Helfricht. The crowns were in place and gilded and attached if necessary. This was taken up by the court jeweler Willy Ganssen.
During the reign of Duke Ernst I, 2 options for minting medals were granted. The 2nd variant was used from 1891. Professor Ferdinand Helfricht produced new facade stamps corresponding to the medals for the merits of the Duchy of Saxe-Ernestine Order. The 1st version of coinage is distinguished by a double jaw beard of the duke. In the 2 shown here. In this version, the portrait has only a beard visible on one side.
Emperor William II. received a special decoration in gold with a crown studded with precious stones. For the 1st coinage, award numbers are given. I don't know about the second form. Arts and science awards were generally treated very sparingly, and medals are very rare in all variants.
Round medal made of gilded silver (gilding is mostly passed here) with a raised border. Above is an ordinary ear, to which a gilded, 5-tuberous crown is movably attached. A ribbon ring passes through the imperial crown apple.
Front side:
Downside:
Tape:
Gold Medal for Arts and Sciences with Crown since 1891
Gold Medal for Arts and Sciences with Crown since 1891
Awards of World War II