Saxe-Altenburg, Duchy. A Saxe-Ernestine House Order, Golden Merit Medal by Friedrich Ferdinand Helfricht

(Goldene Verdienstmedaille des Sachsen-Ernestinischen Hausordens). Instituted 25 December 1833 by Duke Friedrich of Saxe-Altenburg, Duke Ernst I of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, and Duke Bernhard II of Saxe-Meiningen. (1871-1891 issue). Constructed of gilded silver, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, the obverse with a leftward-facing profile of Duke Ernst I, circumscribed by name and title, the reverse with a central raised depiction of the Saxe-Ernestine House Order, circumscribed by an inscription of “FIDELITER ET CONSTANTER” (“FAITHFUL AND STEADFAST”), the obverse marked “HELFRICHT. F.”, measuring 29.74 mm in diameter, weighing 14.5 grams, in near extremely fine condition.