Physical Description

A circular medal with a raised border, constructed of bronze. The obverse features the left-facing portrait of Duke Ernst with a laurel wreath on his head, with the circular inscription ‘ERNST HERZOG ZU SACHSEN COBURG UND GOTHA’. Below the neck is the stamp cutter’s signature ‘F. HELFRICHT FEC.’. The reverse features an oak leaf wreath, tied at the bottom by a ribbon, with the inscription ‘DEM VERDIENSTE’ (‘for merit’) above a crown in the centre. On a loop for suspension, on a green ribbon.

History

The Medal for Civil Merit was introduced on January 30, 1835 by Duke Ernst I of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. The Medal was primarily conferred upon artists in recognition of civil merit.

The medal was established in three grades: Gold, Silver, and Bronze. Both wearable and non-wearable medals were issued.