German Awards - Silver Cross for Services to the Arts and Sciences/2. Stamping

The Silver Cross "For Merit in Art and Science" was established by Duke Ernst II. established April 18, 1860. The cross now represents the highest rung of awards in the arts and sciences. Previously awarded medals in gold or silver are ranked after this cross. It is awarded to those with distinguished service in this field. 3 different embosses were made. The 1st stamp of the cross was awarded from 1860 to 1875 and, as a distinctive feature, has no gilding, and on the reverse there is a cross-tied wreath. The following embossments 2 and 3 have a wreath tied in a double loop and are gilded. In addition, crosses are smaller and lighter. Stamps are made by the court medalist F. Gelfricht. The 3rd stamp was minted after his death without the marking of the stamp cutter on the front side. Source: J. Nimmergut, Deutsche Orden und Ehrenzeichen bis 1945, vol. III, 1999.

An eight-pointed cross of Maltese shape made of gilded silver. Front and back sides with a round, soldered middle shield. (17 mm) Cruciform shoulders with a narrow raised edge matte silver. Between the cruciform shoulders at a distance from each other is a rotating green enameled wreath with 3 rhombuses between the shoulders. Between the tips of the upper cruciform shoulder, the usual eye with a ribbon ring is soldered.

Front side:

• Round central shield with a small raised edge.
In the
• center is a portrait of the duke, facing left.
• Along the edge is the inscription - ERNST - HERZOG -ZU - SACHSEN - COBURG - AND - GOTHA -.
• At the bottom is a small edge - HELFRICHT F -.

Downside:

• Round central shield with a small raised edge.
A
• short distance from the edge is a dense oak-deciduous wreath.
• This one at the bottom is tied in a double loop.
• In the included field, 2 lines - DEM -/- MERIT -.
• Below it is a stone crown.

Tape:

• Lane 1 until 1875: green 35 mm wide.
• Tape 2 since 1876: green with a width of 28 mm, edges 1 mm, silver side stripes 4 mm.

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