History

The Order of the Phoenix was established by the Republican Greek government on May 13, 1926, as a replacement for the Royal Order of George I. It features the phoenix as a symbol of the newly reborn Republic.

From 1926-1927 the Order was conferred upon Greek citizens and foreigners, but from 1927-1935, the Order was only conferred upon foreigners. Since 1935, it has been conferred upon Greek citizens for distinguished service in public administration, science, the arts and letters, commerce, industry, and shipping. It may also be conferred upon prominent foreigners for contributions to the international status of the Greek nation.

The Order is classified into three types based on design changes representative of changes in the political landscape.

Type III crosses have been awarded since the fall of the Greek monarchy in 1974. They have no surmounting crown and no royal cypher. The reverse has either the “E. T. T. A.” inscription or the national coat of arms with "ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΔΗΜΟΚΡΑΤΙΑ" (Greek Republic).

In addition to the possible differences in inscription and division, the Type III Grand Cross may also differ in manufacturer.