Saxony-Coburg-Gotha, Duchy. An Art and Science Decoration in Gold

(Ehrenzeichen für Kunst und Wissenschaft). Instituted in 1837. A Gold Maltese Cross, with a green-enamelled wreath between the arms, the obverse centre presents the bust of Duke Ernst II looking left, bordered by the inscription ERNST HERZOG ZU SACHSEN COBURG GOTHA, the reverse presents the inscription DEM VERDIENSTE surrounded by a wreath of oak leaves, measuring 33.53 mm (w) x 33.39 mm (h), on loop for suspension from period original ribbon, and in very fine condition.