Heritage World Coin Auctions
CCE Signature Sale 3064 20-21 Apr 2018
View prices realized
► Sale information
Find similar lots
Greece
Order of the Redeemer Grand Cross, Sash and Breast Star ND (c. late 1950s), Obol p. 955 (Type II - #100/101). A beautiful two-part decoration of merit that represents the oldest and highest honor bestowed by the modern Greek state; awarded to those who served in the War of Independence in the 1820s or those who exhibited exceptional virtue in a number of other fields. In modern times, the Grand Cross, such as this piece, has only been awarded to foreign heads-of-state. This decoration, preserved in excellent condition, was awarded for that very reason, given in the late 1950s by H.M. Paul I, King of Hellenes, to Mr. Arturo Lezama, who served as President of Uruguay from March 1957 to March 1958. Despite being unmarked, the cross (with light blue sash attached) appears to be comprised of gold and enamel with an image of Christ at center. The second part, the star, depicts a similar image of Christ, and is surrounded in blue enamel, with the silver rays of the star faceted to look like gemstones. Both pieces remain housed in the original box, which is stamped by the maker, Arthus Bertrand of Paris, on the inside lid. Supporting documentation solidifies the provenance, with a document from the Uruguayan Ministry of Exterior Relations, addressed to Arturo Lezama and dated July 16th, 1959, that mentions a diploma from the King of Greece (also included in this lot) that coincides with the issuance of the decoration. Altogether, a fascinating item with seldom-matched ties to national leaders.
HID02901242017
Estimate: 3000-5000 USD
Order of the Redeemer Grand Cross, Sash and Breast Star ND (c. late 1950s), Obol p. 955 (Type II - #100/101). A beautiful two-part decoration of merit that represents the oldest and highest honor bestowed by the modern Greek state; awarded to those who served in the War of Independence in the 1820s or those who exhibited exceptional virtue in a number of other fields. In modern times, the Grand Cross, such as this piece, has only been awarded to foreign heads-of-state. This decoration, preserved in excellent condition, was awarded for that very reason, given in the late 1950s by H.M. Paul I, King of Hellenes, to Mr. Arturo Lezama, who served as President of Uruguay from March 1957 to March 1958. Despite being unmarked, the cross (with light blue sash attached) appears to be comprised of gold and enamel with an image of Christ at center. The second part, the star, depicts a similar image of Christ, and is surrounded in blue enamel, with the silver rays of the star faceted to look like gemstones. Both pieces remain housed in the original box, which is stamped by the maker, Arthus Bertrand of Paris, on the inside lid. Supporting documentation solidifies the provenance, with a document from the Uruguayan Ministry of Exterior Relations, addressed to Arturo Lezama and dated July 16th, 1959, that mentions a diploma from the King of Greece (also included in this lot) that coincides with the issuance of the decoration. Altogether, a fascinating item with seldom-matched ties to national leaders.
HID02901242017
Estimate: 3000-5000 USD