Central African Republic. An Order of Operation Bokassa, Grand Cross, c. 1976

Instituted November 19, 1970 by Jean-Bedel Bokassa. 1976-1979 Issue. A Grand Cross badge composed of silver gilt presenting a ten point red enamelled star with white enamelled sections with ball finials at 12, 2, 4, 7 and 10 o’clock, with green enamelled laurel wreath segments in each quadrant, the obverse center depicts a bust of Bokassa on a blue enamelled field surrounded by a green enamelled ring inscribed S.M.I BOKASSA 1er EMPIRE CENTRAFRICAIN (His Imperial Majesty Bokassa I, Central African Empire), the reverse centerpiece depicts a farm landscape surrounded by a green enamelled ring inscribed OPERATION BOKASSA, measures 62.10mm (w) x 60.30mm (h inclusive of integral bar suspension), weighs 69.8 grams, missing the wreath suspension, enamels intact, centerpiece slightly loose, very fine.

Footnote: This Order was established by Jean-Bédel Bokassa himself, but it was permanently suppressed after he was overthrown in 1979. It was conferred upon Central Africans in recognition of meritorious service rendered to the nation, especially concerning its development. The second version, awarded from 1976-1979, features an obverse inscription that translates to “His Imperial Majesty Bokassa I, Central African Empire.”