History

The Medal "Merito ac Dignitati" was instituted by Prince Heinrich XXII (Senior Line) and was conferred for outstanding civil merit.

The Silver Medal could have been awarded with three different ribbons: the Gold Medal ribbon, which featured a dark blue centre and two red exterior stripes; the Silver Medal ribbon, which featured three dark blue stripes and four red stripes; or the Life Saving ribbon, which featured a black, red and yellow stripe.

When the Silver Medal was conferred on the Gold Medal ribbon, it was elevated to higher status.