(Nishan al-Istaqaq / نیشان الإستقق). Instituted in 1953. Type IV (1984-Date). Six-piece construction, in silver gilt with royal blue, white and red enamels, type IV with the modern coat-of-arms used after 1984, marked with the Cairo Assay Office mark and a "9" and "0" for silver fineness (.900 silver = 90% or 900/1000) on the right wing of the eagle coat-of-arms and on the reverse cartouche, measuring 75.5 mm (w) x 81.5 mm (h) inclusive of its eagle coat-of-arms suspension, intact enamels, scattered gilt wear, very light contact, near extremely fine.
Footnote: The Order of Merit was instituted in 1953 and is awarded for valuable services to Egypt, in five classes: I Class Badge with Breast Star, II Class Badge with Breast Star, III Class, IV Class and V Class.