Spain, Franco Period. A Civil Order Of Alfonso Xii, Grand Cross C.1940

(Orden Civil de Alfonso XII). Instituted 1902. Issued 1902-1988. A four-armed enameled purple cross in silver gilt, with three enameled purple rays in each quadrant, obverse centre with superposed hand chiseled silver eagle surrounded by Latin inscription “AXII ALTIORA PETO” (I Aspire to the Highest) in silver lettering, also surrounded a palm branch and a green enameled laurel branch, with a red enameled Alfonso’s XII crown on the 12 o’clock arm, and red, blue, and white enameled Spanish Coat of Arms on the 6 o’clock arm, reverse with decorative pin assembly and dual stays, with reverse centre engraved Spanish maker’s signature “Madrid Medina Barcelona”, marked Dutch import mark on pin and catch with .835 silver fineness, pin marked Spanish .915 silver fineness and postcode from Madrid, measuring 86.33 mm (w) x 85.63 mm (h), loss of purple enamels on 12 o'clock arm, slightly loose crown and coat of arms, with toned silver in the reverse, good/fine.

Footnote: The Civil Order of Alfonso XII was founded in Spain by Royal Decree on May 23, 1902. The Order was established as a Spanish honorary Order to reward Spanish and foreign citizens who rendered meritorious services within the fields of education, science, culture, teaching, and research. 

This offering is a part of the "Dr. Albert Goodwin Collection", a preeminent assemblage of world Orders, Medals, and Decorations composed solely by Dr.Goodwin between 1946-1967. Dr. Goodwin had a successful career as an educator and prominent physician in New York as well as actively serving in both World Wars with the United States Medical Corps. He acted as both President and Vice-President of the Orders and Medals Society of America (OMSA) and is responsible for organizing their first convention in 1960. He maintained further membership with the American Society of Military Collectors, the International Orders Research Society, and the American Numismatic Society. His knowledge and passion for history and awards is evident in this meticulously compiled collection that is now available in its entirety for the first time exclusively on eMedals.com.