Hi, my grandmother’s sister was a diplomat working in Austria. She has passed away, among her belongings was this medal. Does anyone know what it is?

4 comments

1. It’s “just” the usual [Ehrenzeichen](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ehrenzeichen_f%C3%BCr_Verdienste_um_die_Republik_%C3%96sterreich). In this case, presumably the *Goldenes Ehrenzeichen*, equivalent to a knight’s rank first class.

2. Looks like a [“Grand Decoration of Honour in Gold for Services to the Republic of Austria”](https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.identifymedals.com/database/medals-by-country/austria/the-decoration-of-honor-for-services-to-the-republic-of-austria/amp/)

3. Das ist das große goldene Ehrenzeichen für Verdienste um die Republik Österreich in der Damenausführung / This is the Grand Golden Decoration of Honour for Services to the Republic of Austria in the women’s version.

   It is a medal awarded by the President of Austria for great services but it is not uncommon for diplomats to receive this after a long time in service. It should definitely be kept.

   More information (in german): https://www.bundespraesident.at/ehrenzeichen
   https://www.oesterreich.gv.at/themen/arbeit_beruf_und_pension/titel_und_auszeichnungen/3/2/Seite.1730404.html

4. [“Großes Goldenes Ehrenzeichen für Verdienste um die Republik Österreich”](https://www.bundespraesident.at/ehrenzeichen) in a variant awarded to women, with a short ribbon. It is a (mid-range) medal awarded for special services to the post-war Republic of Austria. The monetary value of the medal is relatively modest (approx. USD 200), but you wouldn’t want to sell it anyways.