Silver-gilt and red enamel edged white enamel Maltese cross with a green enamel laurel wreath between the arms, on laterally-pierced ball suspension; the face with a circular central gilt medallion bearing an elephant within a wreath of palm encircled by a green enamel ring inscribed in gilt letters ‘REPUBLIQUE DE COTE D’IVOIRE’; the reverse with a circular central gilt medallion inscribed ‘UNION DISCIPLINE TRAVAIL’ on a stippled ground within a circular laurel wreath; ‘crab’ silver hallmark on the reverse of the suspension; on original ribbon with rosette denoting an award of the officer class; in original fitted case of issue by Ets. A. Chobillon of Paris. The Order was instituted by Law No. 60-403 of 10 December 1960, Ivory Coast having become independent on 7 August that year, and subsequently amended by Law No. 61-207 of 12 June 1961. It is the Ivory Coast’s highest award and is given for personal merit and services rendered to the nation. After a long period of peace and prosperity, a coup in 1999, a disputed election in 2000 and an army mutiny in 2002 have destabilised the country. It is not known if or when future awards of the Order will be made. An excellent example.
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