Cuba, Republic. A Pair of Orders of José Martí & 6 de Junio

1. (Orden José Martí) Order Jose Marti, manufactured in gilt and silvered metal, five-pointed star superimposed on a radiating sunburst with the gilt central medallion bearing a high-relief portrait of José Martí encircled by a white enamel ring inscribed “JOSÉ MARTÍ 1853-1895”, the reverse showing the national coat of arms of the Republic of Cuba and the inscription “CONSEJO DE ESTADO”, fitted with a five-sided ribbon of white with red and blue edge stripes, measuring 43.3 mm x 45.4 mm including the suspension ring and weighing 34.8 grams; part of the laurel wreath on the lower left arm is broken off, otherwise good condition.

2. (Orden 6 de Junio) Order of the 6th of June, constructed in silvered and enamelled metal, five-pointed faceted star with red central shield inscribed “6 DE JUNIO” over a blue-enameled backing, the reverse displaying the Cuban coat of arms and the legend “REPÚBLICA DE CUBA CONSEJO DE ESTADO”, complete with original five-sided ribbon of light green, white, dark blue, and light blue with its corresponding ribbon bar, measuring 43.1 mm x 47.6 mm and weighing 26.1 grams, showing light staining to the rays from wear, otherwise fine condition.

Footnote: The Order of José Martí is the highest decoration of the Republic of Cuba, instituted in 1972 and named after the national hero and patriot José Martí (1853–1895). It is awarded to heads of state, foreign dignitaries, and individuals of exceptional merit in advancing the cause of socialism and Cuban international friendship. The Order “6 de Junio” commemorates the founding of the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces on 6 June 1961 and is bestowed upon military and civilian personnel for outstanding service and loyalty to the defence of the nation.