History

The Order of Civil Merit was created on October 14, 1957, but was later replaced by the National Order of Merit on December 3, 1963.

The Order was conferred upon those who made significant contributions to public life in bodies administered by the Ministry of the Interior, or by individual departments or communes. The Knight was awarded to a person of at least 35 years of age for a minimum of 10 years of service. Knights could be promoted to Officer after 8 years and Officers could be promoted to Commander after 5 years.

The obverse inscription translates to “French Republic,” and the reverse inscription translates to “Order of Civil Merit from the Ministry of the Interior.”

The Commander is the only grade with a suspension in the shape of "RF."

There may be additional versions which vary in size, composition, or manufacturer.