Norway, Kingdom. St. Olaf's Medal with Monogram of King Harald V (1991-present)

(St. Olaf medaljen). Instituted in 1939. In silver, obverse illustrating the right-facing bust of King Harald V (1991-present), surrounded by the inscription "HARALD V NORGES KONGE / ALT FOR NORGE", engraver marked "YT" (Y. Thoresen) and designer marked "HW", reverse illustrating the St. Olav's cross, measuring 31.5 mm (w) x 52.5 mm (h), the medal surmounted by the crowned monogram of King Harald V, very light contact, original ribbon with pinback, extremely fine. In its hardshelled case of issue, maroon exterior, Royal crown in gold-coloured ink on the lid, inside lid in white satin, padded and engraver marked "GRAVØR MEDALJØR Y. THORESEN OSLO", recessed medal bed in navy blue felt, measuring 59.5 mm (w) x 133.8 mm (h) x 23.5 mm (d), case also extremely fine.

Footnote: The St. Olav's Medal and the St. Olav's Medal With Oak Branch were instituted by King Haakon VII of Norway on March 17, 1939. They are awarded in recognition of "outstanding services rendered in connection with the spreading of information about Norway abroad and for strengthening the bonds between expatriate Norwegians and their home country". The medals are in silver, surmounted by the Royal Crown. On the obverse is the portrait of the reigning King with his name and motto. On the reverse, the St. Olav's cross. Above the medal is the monogram of the reigning King. It is worn on the left side of the breast with the ribbon of the Order of St. Olav. The medal ranks ninth in the order of precedence of Norwegian medals. When awarded for services rendered in wartime, the medal carries an oak branch and ranks sixth in the order of precedence of Norwegian medals.