Order of Carol I, Grand Cross Breast Star
CATEGORY: Version
SKU: 01.ROM.0101.103.01.000
Estimated market value:
Estimated market value:
The breast star constructed of an eight-pointed silver gilt star with rays emanating from the centre of the star; the obverse with a crowned Romanian eagle with a Latin cross, and with a central silver gilt medallion on the chest of the eagle, depicting a leftward facing Carol I of Romania above laurel leaf twigs; the eagle clutching a sword in the left talon and a scepter in the other, with a banner running beneath the eagle from left to right, reading “Prin Statornicie la Izbanda” (Latin - To Victory Through Steadiness); the reverse plain, with four rivets visible that hold the eagle in place; with a vertical pinback; measuring 88.5x84.5mm; weighing 87.2 grams. Light wear to the gilt from age, but in overall extremely fine condition.
The Order of Carol I was established in 1906 in commemoration of the 40-year reign of King Carol I. It ranked equally with the Order of Ferdinand I as the highest decoration in Romania until 1947 when it was abolished along with the Romanian monarchy. It is currently awarded as a dynastic order by the House of Romania and is no longer associated with the state.
The Order of Carol I was conferred upon members of the Romanian Royal Family, as well as upon prominent Romanian citizens and foreigners. It could also be awarded posthumously, but only under exceptional circumstances. Women were first received into the Order in 1944. The King was the Grand Master.
The Order was originally composed of four grades (Collar, Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander), but was only awarded as a Collar and Grand Cross after 1932.
There was a limit of 10 members in the Grand Cross grade from 1906-1938 and a limit of 20 members from 1938-1947.
The Grand Cross Breast Star has an obverse inscription that translates to “Through Perseverance to Success.”
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