History

The Bene Merenti Medal was established by King Carol I in 1876. It was awarded to Romanian citizens in recognition of meritorious service rendered in the fields of art and science. It was later replaced by the Order of Cultural Merit in 1931.

There are two versions of the I Class Medal. The first features an obverse inscription that translates to "Carol I, Prince of Romania," and the second features an obverse inscription that translates to "Carol I, King of Romania."

There may be additional versions of the I Class Medal that differ in engraver, size, or composition.