San Marino, Republic. An Order of San Marino, Grand Cross, by Kretly, c.1900

(Ordine Equestre per il merito civile e militare San Marino protettore della repubblica). Instituted in 1859. Of fine French manufacture, consisting of a silver eight pointed star with hand finished detailing, with a Gold white enameled cross affixed at centre with green enameled laurels, blue enameled obverse centre piece with Motto ""RELINQUO VOS LIBEROS AB UTROQUE HOMINE"" (I leave you free from both men), centrepiece ring in Gold, mounted to a silver eight-pointed star base, maker marked ""No. 46 KRETLY PALAIS-ROYALE PARIS"" on the reverse cartouche, hallmarked on the pin and catch with boars head denoting 800 silver fineness (1838-1962), measuring 85 mm (w) x 85 mm (h), vertical pinback flanked by dual stays, extremely fine.

Footnote: The Order of San Marino (AKA Civil and Military Equestrian Order of Saint Marinus) is an Order of Merit of San Marino. Established on August 13, 1859, the order is presented for outstanding civil or military services to the Republic, or for humanitarian, artistic, political or scientific accomplishment. The order is presented in five grades: Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer and Knight.

This offering is a part of the "Dr. Albert Goodwin Collection", a preeminent assemblage of world Orders, Medals, and Decorations composed solely by Dr.Goodwin between 1946-1967. Dr. Goodwin had a successful career as an educator and prominent physician in New York as well as actively serving in both World Wars with the United States Medical Corps. He acted as both President and Vice-President of the Orders and Medals Society of America (OMSA) and is responsible for organizing their first convention in 1960. He maintained further membership with the American Society of Military Collectors, the International Orders Research Society, and the American Numismatic Society. His knowledge and passion for history and awards is evident in this meticulously compiled collection that is now available in its entirety for the first time exclusively on eMedals.com.