Miniature circular silver medal with loop for ribbon suspension and ring with silver hallmark; the face with the arms of Prince Henry, the cross of the Military Order of Christ to the left, the cross of Military Order of Aviz to the right, dated ‘1460’ and ‘1960’ above to left and right respectively, all within a circle inscribed ‘TALANT DE BIE FAIRE’ (Talent of Doing Good, motto of the Portuguese Navy), rope loops below; the reverse with a Portuguese Caravel under way at sea, sailing from left to right, all within a ring, a cross at the top and inscribed ‘QUINTO CENTENÁRIO DA MORTE DO INFANTE D. HENRIQUE’ (Fifth Centenary of the Death of Prince Henry); diameter 15.29mm (0.6 inch); on original ribbon. The Medal was instituted in two grades on 22 July 1960 by Decree 43,085 to commemorate the fifth centenary of the death of Prince Henry. It was awarded to military and civilians, both Portuguese and foreign, who contributed significantly to the national celebrations of this event. One thousand ‘gold’ and two thousand silver full-size medals were awarded. The Infante Henrique (Prince Henry), 1394-1460, a younger son of King João of Portugal, organised and financed unprecedented expeditions and trading with the western coast of Africa.
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