Spain, Order of Alfonso X the Wise for Ladies, Commander Category. Years 40-50

This fine medal is the Order of Alphonso X The Wise for Ladies, Category: Commander. It was made by the middle of the 20th century and is a medal that still stands nowadays. This order is awarded to persons or institutions (both Spanish and from abroad) which have stood out in the fields of education, science, teaching or investigation. The Order of Alphonso X The Wise was established in 1939 and replaced the Order of Alphonse XII, from 1901. It is a distinction that rewards knowledge, investigation and culture. This medal is the one given to ladies. It is made of enameled solid silver and in it we can see some images, finely painted in three colors: white, red and blue. The medal is made in the shape of a cross with four lobed arms, in the center of which there is a circle with a crowned figure symbolizing King Alphonso X The Wise. The figure is holding an eagle in his right hand and a sphere with a cross on top of it, symbolizing the world. Around this motive there is a circular white border with and inscription in golden letters: Alfonso X El Sabio, Rey de Castilla y León (Alphonso X The Wise, King of Castilla and Leon). The king´s robe shows the shield with the coat-of-arms of Castilla and Leon. At the rear, the circle is painted with a figure of a red bird which has a golden halo, probably the dove which symbolizes the Holy Ghost. The bird sits on a blue sphere, meaning the world. Over the dove we can read this legend in high relief: ALTIORA PETO, which means I seek higher things. The medal hangs from a ring which attaches it to a luxurious red moiré ribbon, which has a brooch at the rear designed to hang the medal from the ladys chest. This Order is a beautiful collectors piece which recognizes cultural excellence, and thanks to its beauty and great condition it deserves a place of honor in the most prestigious collection of medals. Measurements (without ribbon): 56 x 56 cm.