Romania, Socialist Republic. A Hero Of The Socialist Republic Of Romania In Gold

(Erou al Republicii Socialiste România). Instituted 6 May 1971. (1971-1989 issue). A rare Hero of the Socialist Republic of Romania in Gold, constructed of 14K Gold, the badge consisting of a five-pointed star with raised arms, the obverse bearing a central raised medallion displaying a finely-detailed coat of arms of the Socialist Republic of Romania, within a silvered ring inset with 23 cut white sapphires, the reverse with dual rivets securing the obverse adornments in place, the twelve o’clock arm with an integral suspension loop connecting to a Gold clasp, the obverse of the clasp presenting with dual laurel leaf branches, inset with a central ruby, the reverse of the clasp with a horizontal pinback meeting a rounded catch, the reverse of both the star and clasp maker marked “MS” for Monetăria Statului (Romanian State Mint), the star measuring 47.93 mm (w) x 51.06 mm (h), the clasp measuring 44.24 mm (w) x 19.20 mm (h), weighing 38.0 grams overall, with evidence of replacement of a white sapphire at the 9 o’clock position, a rare example of the order in overall extremely fine condition.

Footnote: The Hero of the Socialist Republic of Romania was established by Nicolae Ceaușescu on 6 May 1971 as the highest distinction among Romanian orders, surpassing the Hero of Socialist Labour in precedence.