Military Valor Medal, Type I, Gold Medal

SKU: 02.PRT.0101.101.01

Estimated market value:

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  • Military Valor Medal, Type I, Gold Medal
  • Military Valor Medal, Type I, Gold Medal Reverse

Attributes

  • country
    Portugal
  • date of institution
    October 2, 1863
  • remarks
    Since the reform of 1911, all grades may be awarded with two different clasps; when the grade is granted for the basic achievements, the ribbon features a button with the Portuguese coat of arms. When the grade is conceived for heroic deeds in military campaign, the grade is granted with a palm on the ribbon. It is not clear if the clasp alters the market price of the item.

History


The Military Valor Medal (Medalha de Valor Militar) was established by the Ministry of War of Portugal on October 2, 1863. It was created together with the Military Bons Serviços Medal and the Military Medal for Exemplary Conduct as an effort to foster loyalty and unity among the Portuguese Army. They were created by Military Organic Decree, and since then they have been called all together as "Military Medal" (Medalha Militar).

Originally, the Military Valor Medal consisted of two grades; Gold Medal and Silver Medal. They were exclusively awarded to Portuguese military personnel of the Army or Navy who had displayed, in time of peace or war, heroic acts of bravery with an exceptional capacity to make decision and an imminent risk of life.

The Medal was reformed by the First Republic in 1911 abolishing all royal symbols and creating the Bronze Medal grade. In 1971, the Medal was amended again changing the insignia and adding the Neck decoration.

Currently, it is second only to the Order of the Tower and Sword in precedence. It is awarded to Portuguese military personnel in recognition of acts of bravery and selflessness, and it consists of four grades; Neck Gold Medal, Gold Medal, Silver Medal, and Bronze Medal.

In Medal Book, the Military Valor Medal is classified into types. Type I includes the medals awarded between 1863 and 1910. Type II includes the medals from 1911 to 1970. Type III consists of the crosses awarded since 1971 to present.

In Type I, the Medals may be stamped "F.A.C.", "S. SILVA", "A.F.G.", or may have not stamp. In addition, there are some version that feature large lettering, large portrait, or a border standing the lettering.

The Gold Medal was awarded in recognition of extraordinary acts of courage and bravery in front line, as well as to those who had actively participated in campaigns that promote the prestige of the Portuguese military forces.

Type I medals feature an obverse inscription that can be translated to "D Luis King of Portugal", and a reverse inscription that can be translated to "Military Medal Valor."

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Versions

  • Price

    N/A

  • Composition

    Gold

  • Inscription

    Obv: D. LUIZ REI DE PORTUGAL 1863 Rev: MEDALHA MILITAR VALOR

  • Size

    31-33mm

  • Maker

  • Version Remarks

    This medal may be stamped "F.A.C.", "S. SILVA", "A.F.G.", or may have not stamp. Also, it is found with the following variations; large l...

  • View Item
  • Price

    $375 USD

  • Composition

    Silver gilt

  • Inscription

    Obv: D. LUIZ REI DE PORTUGAL 1863 Rev: MEDALHA MILITAR VALOR

  • Size

    31-33mm

  • Maker

  • Version Remarks

    This medal may be stamped "F.A.C.", "S. SILVA", "A.F.G.", or may have not stamp. Also, it is found with the following variations; large l...

  • View Item
  • Price

    $750 USD

  • Composition

    Bronze gilt

  • Inscription

    Obv: D. LUIZ REI DE PORTUGAL 1863 Rev: MEDALHA MILITAR VALOR

  • Size

    31-33mm

  • Maker

  • Version Remarks

    This medal may be stamped "F.A.C.", "S. SILVA", "A.F.G.", or may have not stamp. Also, it is found with the following variations; large l...

  • View Item

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