Physical Description

A smooth circular medal with a raised border, constructed of silver. The obverse features the left-facing portrait of Duke Ernst, wearing a laurel wreath on his head, with the circular inscription ‘ERNST HERZOG ZU SACHSEN COBURG UND GOTHA. At the neck is the stamp cutter’s signature ‘F. HELFRICHT FEC.’ To the right of the eyelet is a silver content stamp in the form of a crescent, a crown, and the number ‘0,990’. The reverse features the reverse of the Saxe-Ernestine House Order, with the circular inscription ‘FIDELITER ET CONSTANTER’ (‘faithful and steadfast’), with a small five-leaf rosette at the bottom. On a loop for suspension, on a purple ribbon with green side stripes.

History

The House Order was jointly founded by Duke Friedrich of Saxe-Altenburg, Duke Ernst I of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, and Duke Bernhard Erich II of Saxe-Meiningen to commemorate their shared ancestor Duke Ernest of Saxony-Gotha.

The House Order Medals of Merit were primarily awarded to civil servants and members of the founding families in recognition of loyalty and exceptional services rendered to the houses, but it was also conferred upon foreigners and citizens of the founding duchies.

The Type I Silver Medals may also feature clasps on the ribbon, including "1870/1" and "1870/1" with swords.