Spain, Franco’s Period. A Civil Order Of Alfonso X The Wise, Commander With Gold And Diamond Loop, C. 1950

(Orden Civil de Alfonso X el Sabio). Instituted 1939 by General Francisco Franco. 1939-present issue. In silver gilt, a red enamelled four-armed Shamrock Cross, the obverse centre featuring an enamelled blue medallion with a superposed handmade figure of Alfonso X the Wise, surrounded by the inscription ALFONSO X EL SABIO REY DE CASTILLA Y LEON (Alphonso X the Wise, King of Castile and Leon), reverse depicting engraved typical of time period Spanish eagle, with the Latin inscription ALTIORA PETO (I Aspire to the Highest), suspended from a Gold loop with seven Diamonds surrounded by small silver details, measures 57.70mm (w) x 61.60mm (h – inclusive of integral loop), weighs 37.4 grams, enamels intact, reverse centerpieces appears to have been reaffixed, overall extremely fine condition.

Footnote: The Civil Order of Alfonso X the Wise was established by General Francisco Franco on April 11, 1939. It was founded as replacement of the Civil Order of Alfonso XII, which was abolished during the Second Spanish Republic (1931-1938.) Currently, it is awarded either Spanish or foreign citizens in recognition of meritorious service within the fields of education, science, culture, teaching, and researching.