Spain, Constitutional. A Royal and Military Order of Saint Hermenegildo, 2nd Class Cross, c. 1980

(Real y Militar Orden de San Hermenegildo). Instituted 1814. Juan Carlos I (1975-2014). A four-armed star with typical Spanish ball finials in silver gilt, with delicate cut silver rays in each quadrant, obverse centre in silver gilt depicting a superposed silver-gilded figure of St. Hermenegildo on a light-blue-enamelled medallion, surrounded white-enamelled border with the inscription “Premio a la Constancia Militar” (Award for Military Constancy), with surrounded green-enamelled laurel wreath in silver gilt, reverse with decorative pin assembly and dual stays, measuring 65.23 mm (w) x 65.30 mm (h), with minor loss of blue enamels, near to mint.

Footnote: The Royal and Military Order of St. Hermenegildo was founded in Spain by King Ferdinand VII on November 28, 1814. It was established in recognition of Spanish and foreign military personnel who defeated Napoleon’s army at the Peninsular War (1807-1814).

The Order is currently awarded in Spain in recognition of length of service to the nation, with an unbroken record of exemplary behaviour in the performance of their duties.