Order of Polonia Restituta, Grand Cross

SKU: 01.POL.0106.101.01

Estimated market value:

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  • Order of Polonia Restituta, Grand Cross (1921-1939) Obverse
  • Order of Polonia Restituta, Grand Cross (1921-1939) Obverse
  • Order of Polonia Restituta, Grand Cross (1921-1939) Reverse

Attributes

  • country
    Poland
  • date of institution
    February 4, 1921
  • makers
    Wiktor Gontarczyk, Warsaw

History


The Order of Polonia Restituta was established by the Polish Parliament in 1921. It continued to be awarded by the Government of the Republic of Poland in exile during and after the Second World War and was simultaneously awarded by the People’s Republic of Poland during the post-war period. It was re-established by the Republic of Poland in 1992 following the collapse of the communist regime and remains one of the preeminent decorations in Poland.

The Order is conferred upon Polish civilians and military personnel in recognition of achievements in education, science, culture, the arts, the economy, defence, social work, and civil service. Prior to the establishment of the Order of Merit in 1974, it was frequently awarded to foreigners as a diplomatic decoration. It is still conferred upon foreigners, although this is no longer its primary purpose. The President of the Republic is Grand Master.

There are two different models of the Grand Cross that differ in inscription. The first model was awarded by the government of the Second Polish Republic and the Government of the Republic of Poland in exile and is currently awarded by the government of the Third Polish Republic. It features “1918” on the reverse medallion and a crowned eagle on the obverse medallion. The second model was awarded by the Polish People’s Republic. It features “1944” on the reverse medallion and an uncrowned eagle on the obverse medallion.

There may be additional versions of the Grand Cross that differ in size, manufacturer, or composition.

The later versions are listed in the Orders of the Polish People’s Republic (1944-1989) and the Third Polish Republic (1989-).

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Versions

  • Price

    $850+ (with case of issue) USD

  • Composition

    Tombac gilt/Silver gilt/Enamelled

  • Inscription

    Obv: POLONIA RESTITVTA Rev: 1918

  • Size

    68x68mm

  • Maker

    Wiktor Gontarczyk, Warsaw

  • Version Remarks

  • View Item
  • Price

    $800 USD

  • Composition

    Silver gilt/Enamelled

  • Inscription

    Obv: POLONIA RESTITVTA Rev: 1918

  • Size

    70mm

  • Maker

    Spink & Son Ltd., London

  • Version Remarks

    The eagle on versions manufactured by Spink & Son Ltd. is highly detailed.

  • View Item
  • Price

    $17000 USD

  • Composition

    Gold/Diamonds/Enamelled

  • Inscription

    Obv: POLONIA RESTITVTA Rev: 1918

  • Size

    60mm

  • Maker

  • Version Remarks

    This version has 32 diamonds, totaling 1.1 carats. It is hallmarked on the reverse, but the stamps could not be identified. It is believe...

  • View Item

Case Of Issue

  • Price

    N/A

  • Size

    232x168x63mm

  • Remarks

Miniatures

  • Price

    $100 USD

  • Size

    18mm

  • Composition

  • Remarks

    This version is composed of silver, silver gilt, and enamel. It is uncertain if this version was awarded during the Polish Second Republic or by the Government of the People's Republic of Poland in exile.

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