Physical Description

A smooth circular medal with a raised border, constructed of silver. The obverse of the medal 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 a laurel wreath tied by a ribbon at the bottom, with the inscription ‘DEM VERDIENSTE UM KUNST UND WISSENSCHAFT‘ in the centre. On a loop for suspension, on a green ribbon with silver side stripes.

History

The Medal for Art and Science was introduced on December 30, 1874 by Duke Ernst I. The medal was awarded in recognition of extraordinary achievements and exceptional service within the fields of art and science.

The medal was established in four grades, Gold Medal with Crown, Gold Medal, Silver Medal with Crown, and Silver Medal.

The Type I and Type II medals feature the left-facing portrait of Duke Ernst I.