Cuba, Republic. An Order of Carlos J. Finlay

(Orden Carlos J. Finlay), Three-piece construction, 37,4 mm wide, 52,9 mm high, weighing 35,5 grams, silvered and gilt metal featuring the portrait of Dr. Carlos Juan Finlay within a circular medallion surrounded by radiating rays, the name “Carlos J. Finlay” inscribed below, reverse displaying the Cuban national coat of arms circumscribed “Republica de Cuba / Consejo de Estado,” fitted with a pentagonal ribbon of blue with double golden side stripes, accompanied by its matching ribbon bar, slight tarnishing overall, very fine.

Footnotes: The Orden Carlos J. Finlay was instituted by the Council of State of the Republic of Cuba on 21 January 1928 and reaffirmed under Decree-Law No. 30 of 1979. It honours Dr. Carlos Juan Finlay (1833–1915), the Cuban physician and scientist renowned for discovering the role of the Aedes aegypti mosquito in the transmission of yellow fever. The order is conferred upon Cuban and foreign scientists, physicians, and institutions for outstanding contributions to medicine, public health, and biological research. It remains one of Cuba’s most prestigious scientific decorations.