History

Established by King Christian VII, this medal has no official statutes, and is therefore awarded at the monarch's discretion. In previous years, this medal has commonly been awarded to recognize devoted, and prominent service to Denmark.

The gold medal associated with this award is normally conferred upon high ranking Officers, and the silver medal is normally conferred upon individuals who have participated in a public or office duty, for a notable period of time, as well as public servants.

The rim of the medal is engraved with the recipient's name.

The medal may have been conferred upon women, in which case, the medal would be awarded on a bow.

The medals manufactured during the reign of Christian X may be awarded with clasps that read, "INDLANDSISEN 1913", "FOR UDMAERKET TJENESTE", "FEMTE EKSPEDITION 1921 1924", "FLYVERTOGT TIL OSTASIEN", "DANA EKSPEDITIONEN 1928 1930", "SJETTE THULE EKSPEDITION", "OSTGRONLAND 1932", "SYVENDE THULE EKSPEDITION 1932 1933", "SYVENDE THULE EKSPEDITION 1933 1934", "OSTGRONLAND 1931 1934", "GRONLAND 1928 1937", "SJETE OG SYVENDE THULE EKSPEDITION 1931-32", "THULE 1927-37", "PEARYLAND 1938", "21 OKTOBER 1939", or "NORDOSTGRONLAND 1938 1939". The addition of clasps may affect the price of the medal.

Although it is rare, the gold medal can be awarded with a crown surmounting the medal. Since 1863, the gold medal with crown has only been awarded 10 times.

Christian X was King of Denmark from 1912 to 1947 and the only king of Iceland.