Eight-pointed gilt metal star, each point bifurcated and rayed, an oval ring between the arms, on ribbed loop for neck ribbon; the face with an oval gilt medallion with the head andshoulders portrait in relief of Francisco de Miranda facing left encircled by a deep red enamel ring inscribed in gilt letters with his name, stylised laurel leaves below; the reverse with the arms of Venezuela in gilt relief within a geometrically-decorated border; on a length of correct display ribbon. The Order was created in 1943 during the Presidency of Isaías Medina Angarita and intended to reward outstanding merit contributing to the progress of the country, particularly in science and technology. Sebastián Francisco de Miranda Rodríguez was born in Caracas, Venezuela, on 28 March 1750. He travelled throughout Europe, met many leading figures of the day and became a general in the Spanish army. He participated in both the American War of Independence and the French Revolution and fought for Venezuelan independence from 1806 to 1810. When Spanish forces regrouped, Miranda negotiated an armistice with them. Other leading revolutionaries viewed this as treason and delivered him to the Spanish. He died in prison in Cádiz, Spain, ironically, on Bastille Day (14 July) 1816 but has long been a Venezuelan national hero and icon. A good example and in excellent condition.
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