History

This medal was instituted by Prince Alexander I of Bulgaria, and it was conferred upon foreigners and Bulgarian citizens in recognition of outstanding achievement in the fields of art, commerce, agriculture, and science. It was also awarded to encourage further efforts within these fields.

The medal was the first award in Bulgaria founded to solely award civilians.

The obverse inscription translates to “For Science and Art.”

The Type IV medals were awarded during the Regency government, and the medal design underwent a few modifications.

The medals issued by the Regency government have a blank reverse, feature the previous reverse depiction of a sitting woman on the obverse, and are surmounted by a laurel wreath suspension.

The Gold Medal was rarely awarded.