Romania - Order of the Star, 4th Class (Civil Division) (Ordinul Steaua României - Clasa a IV-a, Divizia Civilă)
General Information
Country: Romania
Award Name: Order of the Star of Romania (Ordinul Steaua României)
Class: 4th Class (Civil Division)
Institution Date: 1877, by Prince Carol I
Material: Silver gilt with enamel
Dimensions: 62.37 mm (including crown suspension) x 40.37 mm
Condition: Very good, enamel intact (please refer to the pictures).
Ribbon: Includes a rosette, with glued reverse.
Hallmark: Present on the ribbon suspension, indicating authenticity and origin.
This decoration was awarded for civilian merit, recognizing outstanding service and contributions to the Romanian state.
Design Features
Overall Construction:
Made in silver gilt, ensuring durability and prestige.
Features a blue enamel cross, an iconic design element of the order.
Each quadrant contains smooth ray clusters, enhancing its aesthetic appeal.
Obverse Details:
The central medallion features a superimposed eagle on a red enamel field, representing Romania’s national symbol.
The medallion is surrounded by a blue enamel ring, inscribed "IN FIDE SALUS" (Latin for "In Faith Lies Salvation").
The entire centerpiece is encircled by a green enamel laurel wreath, symbolizing honor and victory.
Reverse Details:
The back of the medallion bears the crowned monogram of King Carol I, honoring the founder of the order.
The crown suspension is large and elaborately detailed, reinforcing the order’s royal status.
Ribbon & Suspension:
Original ribbon with rosette, denoting officer rank.
The reverse of the ribbon is glued, a minor alteration but still preserving its original form.
A hallmark on the ribbon suspension authenticates its production and time period.
Historical and Collectible Significance
Romania’s Highest Civilian Honor:
The Order of the Star of Romania is the oldest and most prestigious Romanian decoration.
Initially awarded during Romania’s independence wars, it evolved into a high state honor for civil and military merit.
4th Class (Civil Division):
Less common than the lower grades, making this an attractive collector’s piece.
The intact enamel, original ribbon, and hallmark significantly enhance its desirability.
Royal & Historical Connection:
King Carol I (1866–1914) played a crucial role in Romania’s modernization.
This order reflects Romania’s royal heritage and 19th–20th century political history.
The Order of the Star of Romania, 4th Class (Civil Division) is a prestigious, historically significant, and highly collectible Romanian decoration. This piece, with intact enamel, original ribbon with rosette, and an authentic hallmark, represents a valuable artifact of Romania’s royal past.