Physical Description

A Maltese cross, constructed of gold and enamel. On top of the 12 o’clock arm is a mobile golden crown, attached by two curved links. On top of the crown is a golden metal ribbon tied multiple times. The cross is enamelled in white with a narrow golden border and golden ball finials at the tips of the cross arms. In between the cross arms are golden lions. The cross is surrounded by a light blue enamelled metal ribbon with golden edges, with the golden inscription ‘FIDELITER ET CONSTANTER’ (‘loyal and steadfast’). The obverse centre medallion features five horizontal black bars on pebbled gold, with a superimposed green enamelled diagonal bar with five rue leaves with golden borders. The medallion is surrounded by an oak leaf wreath enamelled in green with golden ribbons. The reverse is similar, except that the centre medallion features the left-facing portrait of Ernest the Pious. On a loop for suspension, on a purple ribbon with green side stripes.
At least one example adorned with diamonds and emeralds is known to exist.

History

The Order was jointly founded by Duke Ernst I of Coburg-Gotha, Duke Friedrich of Altenburg, and Duke Bernhard Erich Freund of Saxony-Meiningen.

This Order originally consisted of the grades of Grand Cross with Grand Cross Breast Star, I Class Commander Cross with I Class Commander Breast Star, II Class Commander Cross, Knight Cross, and Silver Merit Cross.

It was awarded to members of the aforementioned families, civil servants, citizens of Coburg-gotha, Altenburg, and Meiningen, and foreign citizens to recognize valuable and loyal services.

To be officially conferred upon a foreigner, the award had to have been supported by at least two Duchies.

The awards conferred upon citizens of the three founding Duchies had an oak wreath surrounding the centre medallion, while the awards conferred upon foreigners did not have an oak wreath surrounding the centre medallion.

Additionally, the Order awards were decorated with a letter on the obverse of the upper cross arm that was associated with the awarding Duchy.

The Order awards from Altenburg had the letter "F" on the obverse.

The Order awards from Saxony-Meiningen had the letter "B" on the obverse.

The Order awards from Coburg-Gotha had the letter "E" on the obverse.

In 1850 the Order was amended to allow crossed swords, through the centre of the cross or on the surmounting ring, to be added to the awards conferred to recognize wartime merits.

They Type II Order awards underwent multiple changes. From 1864 onward, the awards no longer had an obverse letter associated with a Duchy, the awards conferred upon native citizens and foreigners both featured an oak wreath surrounding the centre medallion, and a Gold Medal grade was added to the Order.

The awards conferred for exceptional merit during World War I had years added to the obverse, including "1914", "1914 1915", and "1914 1916".

In 1890 the Knight Class was divided into two separate classes, I Class Knight and II Class Knight. The II Class Knight was abolished later in 1913.