Awards of Germany - Gold Medal for Merit of the Saxe-Ernestine Order of 1871

Merit medals were awarded to the Saxe-Ernestine Home Order as a lower class. It was jointly donated on 25 March 1833 by the Dukes Friedrich of Saxe-Altenburg, Ernst of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha and Bernhard Erich Freund of Saxe-Meiningen. Initially consisted of 4 classes (Big Cross, Komtur 1st and 2nd. class, as well as knights). They were accompanied by a silver cross for merit and silver medals for merit. While the number of first classes was limited, related merit medals could be awarded unlimited. At least 2 ducal houses had to agree to the award. On December 13, 1864, a gold medal for merit was established. The Knights were in 1st and 2nd. The class is divided. Merit medals were provided with a portrait of Gerscher on the front of each of the 3 duchies. The backs were the same and depicted the cross of merit of the order with the slogan - FIDELITER ET CONSTANTER - (Faithful and persistent) as an edge inscription. The first medals in Altenburg from 1834 to 1871 were held by Duke Friedrich. Under Duke Ernst, 2 coinage options are known. The 1 variant shown here from 1871 to 1891 depicts the Duke with a double beard. The second version of 1871-1908 shows him only with a beard in the foreground. In 1871, ribbon braces were donated in 1870/1 with and without swords. The seal of the medal was carved by Professor Ferdinand Helfricht. After taking office, Duke Ernst II. The last time the front parts were changed. Source: Nemmergut, German Orders and Insignia until 1945, vol. III, 1999.

Round medal of gilded silver with a raised border. Above is a soldered ordinary eye with a ribbon ring.

Front side:

• On the margins is the inscription: - ERNST - HERZOG - ZU - SACHSEN - ALTENBURG -.
In the
• center is a portrait of the duke with a double beard.
• Under the neck is a small section of the stamp cutter - HELFRICHT F. -

Downside:

• On the rim there is an inscription: - FIDELITER - ET - CONSTANTER - a five-petal outlet at the bottom.
• Mittig zooms in on the back of the merit cross without a writing ring.
(Oak
• wreath medallion, inside Saxon coat of arms with diamond crown.)

Tape:

• purple 26 mm wide, edges 1 mm, side stripes green 3 mm, black dividing line.

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Gold Medal of Merit of the Saxe-Ernestine Order of 1871

Gold Medal of Merit of the Saxe-Ernestine Order of 1871

Established:

December 25, 1833 by Duke Friedrich von Altenburg
December 13, 1864 Establishment of the Gold Medal

Awarded:

1871 – 1891

Data:

• Material: Silver gilded
• Size: 29.5mm
• Weight: 15.4g

estimated collector price:

280 – 300 €

OEK Number:

2507