Physical Description

A smooth circular medal with a raised border, constructed of silver gilt. The obverse features the left-facing portrait of Duke Ernst, with the circular inscription ‘ERNST HERZOG ZU SACHSEN ALTENBURG’. Below the neck is the stamp cutter’s signature ‘HELFRICHT F.’. The reverse features an oak leaf wreath tied by a ribbon at the bottom, with the dates ‘23 NOVEMBER 1826.’ and ‘23 NOVEMBER 1876’ in the centre, divided by a decorative line. On a loop for suspension, on a green ribbon with narrow white borders.

History

The Commemorative Medal for the 50th Anniversary of the Duchy was established on November 23, 1876 by Duke Ernst I. The decoration was established to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Duke Ernst Friedrich II becoming the Duke of Saxe-Altenburg in 1826.

The medal was conferred upon surviving members of Duke Ernst Friedrich II's court and civil service who participated in the Duke’s procession into the residential city.