Cuba, Republic. A Group of Three Orders of Merit and Distinction Medals

1. (Orden Félix Varela) Félix Varela Order, first class, gilt and silvered bronze, obverse featuring a gilt portrait of Félix Varela encircled by a white enamel ring inscribed “FÉLIX VARELA” on a starburst of eight points, reverse with the Cuban coat of arms and inscription “REPÚBLICA DE CUBA CONSEJO DE ESTADO”, suspended from its tricolour ribbon in red, white, and blue, accompanied by its ribbon bar, measuring 44.4 mm x 44.2 mm, 27.5 grams, three-piece construction, staining visible on the white ring.

2. (Orden Carlos J. Finlay) Carlos J. Finlay Order, silvered bronze, obverse featuring a detailed portrait of the Cuban physician and scientist Carlos Juan Finlay encircled by a raised border bearing his name “CARLOS J. FINLAY”, surrounded by radiating rays with small orbs on their outer edges, reverse displaying the Cuban coat of arms with the inscription “REPÚBLICA DE CUBA CONSEJO DE ESTADO”, suspended from its purple ribbon with double orange stripes, accompanied by its ribbon bar, measuring 43.2 mm x 42.4 mm, four-piece construction.

3. (Orden José Martí, prior to 1979) José Martí Order, early type issued before 1979, gilt and enamelled bronze, rectangular suspension depicting a Cuban soldier advancing under the flag of the Republic and inscription “FAR CUBA”, reverse plain, suspended from its red ribbon, accompanied by its ribbon bar, measuring 44.7 mm x 43.1 mm.

All items are in fine to very fine condition.

Footnote: The Orden Félix Varela was instituted by the Council of State of the Republic of Cuba to honour outstanding contributions to science, education, and culture, named after the priest and philosopher Félix Varela (1788–1853). The Orden Carlos J. Finlay, named for the pioneering Cuban doctor who discovered the transmission of yellow fever by mosquitoes, is conferred for significant achievements in the fields of medicine, public health, and scientific research. The Orden José Martí, established in 1972 and awarded to both Cuban and foreign nationals, represents the highest distinction conferred by the Cuban state for extraordinary merit in strengthening peace, solidarity, and national sovereignty.