Spain, Franco’s Period. An Order of Charity, Grand Cross Star, Black and White Distinction, c.1940

(Orden Civil de Beneficencia). Instituted 1856. Type II, 1940-1975 Issue. Black and White Distinction. An ornate eight-pointed silver star with ball finials, consisting of an enameled white and black star with detailed design in each quadrant in silver gilt, obverse centre exhibiting the Latin inscription FORTITUDO CHARITAS ABNEGATIO, with superposed detailed handmade symbol of charity, hand painted on enamel, reverse with decorative pin assembly and dual stays, marked pin with maker’s mark 23M of Juan Medina, one of the principal Spanish jeweler in the early twentieth century, with Spanish hallmarked denoting manufactured after 1934, measuring 72.89 mm (w) x 72.76 mm (h), with minor lost of gilt, near to mint.

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.