Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, Kingdom. A Duke Ernst Medal, Silver Grade, by L. Christian Lauerm, c.895

(Herzog-Ernst-Medaille in Silber, Halsdekoration). Instituted 17 February 1888 by Ernst II. (1889-1896 issue). Constructed of silver, on loop for suspension from its period original shortened neck ribbon, the obverse with a raised leftward-facing profile of Ernst II circumscribed by name and title, the reverse with inscription “PRINCEPS MUSARUM SACERDOS” (“THE MUSES ARE THE SACRED RULERS”), above a richly-detailed design reflecting the medal’s focus on arts and culture, measuring 50.32 mm in diameter, weighing 54.6 grams, in near extremely fine condition.