Silver-gilt and red enamel edged white enamel Maltese cross with a green enamel laurel wreath between the arms, on laterally-pierced ball suspension with loop for neck ribbon; 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. The insignia of the Order were made 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. A superb example.
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