This item is part of The Dr. Albert Goodwin Collection. Click Here to view all items in this collection.
(Orden Civil de Alfonso X el Sabio). Instituted 1939 by General Francisco Franco. 1939-present issue. In silver gilt, a red enameled four-armed Shamrock Cross, the obverse centre featuring an enameled blue medallion with a superposed handmade figure of Alfonso X the Wise, surrounded by the inscription ALFONSO X EL SABIO REY DE CASTILLA Y LEON (Alphonso X the Wise, King of Castile and Leon), reverse depicting engraved typical of time period Spanish eagle, with the Latin inscription ALTIORA PETO (I Aspire to the Highest), measuring 58.38 mm (w) x 61.33 mm (h - inclusive of integral ring), presenting minor wear on the central figure, suspended by original neck ribbon, extremely fine. Accompanied the star of the order consisting of a red enameled Shamrock Cross in silver gilt, featuring an handmade enameled figure of Alfonso X the Wise, surrounded by the inscription ALFONSO X EL SABIO REY DE CASTILLA Y LEON, the reverse with pin assembly and dual stays, hallmarked on the pin by “915/1000” silver fineness, measuring 80.10 mm (w) x 80.10 mm (h), with minor lost of gilt, extremely fine.
Footnote: The Civil Order of Alfonso X the Wise was established by General Francisco Franco on April 11, 1939. It was founded as replacement of the Civil Order of Alfonso XII, which was abolished during the Second Spanish Republic (1931-1938.) Currently, it is awarded either Spanish or foreign citizens in recognition of meritorious service within the fields of education, science, culture, teaching, and researching.
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.