Ivory Coast, Republic. A National Order of the Republic, Grand Cross Star , c.1960

(Côte d’Ivoire): In heavy solid silver gilt with red, white and green enamels, French-made, hallmarked on the pin, 82.3 mm x 82.5 mm, vertical pinback flanked by dual prongs, crazing evident in the red enamels on the left arm and repair in the red enamels on the other three arms in various places, gilt wear on the elephant's trunk, better than very fine.

Footnote: The Order was instituted by Law No. 60-403 of December 10, 1960, Ivory Coast having become independent as of August 7th of that year, and subsequently amended by Law No. 61-207 of June 12, 1961. It is the Ivory Coast’s highest award and is given for personal merit and services rendered to the nation. After a long period of peace and prosperity, a coup in 1999, along with a disputed election in 2000 and an army mutiny in 2002 have destabilized the country. It is not known if or when future awards of the Order will be made.