Physical Description

A smooth circular medal, constructed of silver gilt. The obverse features the right-facing portrait of Duke Carl Eduard with the circular inscription ‘CARL EDUARD HERZOG V SACHSEN COBURG U GOTHA’ with a small six-sided star at the bottom. On the right side of the eyelet is the silver content stamp ‘SILBER 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.
The ribbon features a vertically hatched clasp with a raised border and a date, either '1914', '1914/5', '1914/6', '1914/7', '1914/8', or '1918'. The clasp features crossed swords at the top.

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 IV Gold Medals may also feature clasps on the ribbon, including "1916", "1917", "1918", "1914" with swords, "1914/5" with swords, "1914/6" with swords, "1914/7" with swords, "1914/8" with swords, "1914/18" with swords, and "1918" with swords.

There may be versions of the Type IV Gold Medal composed of bronze gilt.