History

The Bahia Restoration Medal (Medalha da Restauração de Bahia), a.k.a. Medal of Independence of Brazil (Medalha da Independência do Brasil) was established by Emperor Dom Pedro I to reward Brazilian military and Naval force personnel who landed at Salvador, Bahia to protect Brazil from Portuguese rebels that were fighting against Pedro I. In July 1823, the Portuguese troops were forced to sail to Portugal consolidating the Brazilian independence.

This Medal was authorized with three grades according to the rank of the recipient. The Gold Medal was awarded to General, the Silver Medal was conferred upon Officers, and the Bronze Medal was for enlisted men.

The Medals that were struck in Rio de Janerio feature plain reverse, and a laurel branch on the obverse. Meanwhile, the Medals that were struck in Bahia feature a portrait of Pedro I on the reverse, and a laurel crown on the obverse.