Spain, Republic. A Rare Civil Order of the Liberation of Spain, Medal

(Orden Civil de la Liberación de España).Instituted September 3, 1947. Dissolved 1977. In bronze, the obverse features a Spanish emblem surrounded by the inscription REPUBLICA ESPANOLA, the reverse is inscribed PATRIA LIBERTAD REPUBLICA, measures 38 mm (w) x 43.9 mm (h), worn on original ribbon, minor wear, an extremely fine and exceptionally rare medal.

Footnote: The Civil Order of the Liberation of Spain (Orden Civil de la Liberación de España) was instituted by the Second Spanish Republic in 1947, right after the end of the Second World War. The Order was founded as commemoration of the defeat of the Nazis in Europe, and their eventual withdrawal from Spain. However, in spite of the Nazi defeat, the regime of Francisco Franco remained in the Spanish government, and the Order was always awarded from the Republican in exile in France.

The Order was awarded to Spanish and foreign individuals who served the Republican cause in Spain, and supported the legitimacy of its government. It was specially awarded to those soldiers and civilians who fought against Franco forces, and were mutilated during the Civil War.