Silver gilt-edged white enamel cross pattée with silver gilt ball finials and crown suspension; the face with a circular medallion centrally imposed bearing the Seal of the Prince of a rider on horseback, a raised sword in his right hand, a shield bearing the arms of the Grimaldi in his left, circumscribed ‘RAINIER GRIMALDI PRINCE DE MONACO’; the reverse with a circular medallion centrally imposed inscribed ‘MCML’ (= 1950) and circumscribed ‘PRINCIPAUTE DE MONACO’; on original ribbon. The Order was founded by Prince Rainier III on 18 November 1954 (1950 being the year of his coronation). Its original purpose was to reward and recognise outstanding service to the person of the Prince but by sovereign order 2283 of 19 July 1960, this was modified so that the order was awarded for those who contribute to the prestige of the Principality. A rare award in superb condition.
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