History

The Order was instituted in commemoration of Georgi Dimitrov by the Presidium. It was conferred upon Bulgarians and foreigners in recognition of exceptional services and contributions to the security, defence, and freedom of Bulgaria and socialism.

This award was the highest ranking Order bestowed during the People’s Republic of Bulgaria, but became equal in precedence to the Order of Stara Planina and the Order of 13 Centuries of Bulgaria following their institution in 1966 and 1981.

Recipients of the Titles, Hero of the People's Republic of Bulgaria and the Hero of Socialist Labour, also received this Order.

This Order was originally designed by Kiril Lazarov.

There were approximately 4000 recipients of the Order before it was discontinued on April 5, 1991.

There are three main versions of this Order.

The awards issued first are composed of solid 22Kt Gold, were manufactured privately, and were mechanically stamped with numbers on the reverse.

The awards issued second are composed of hollow 14Kt Gold, were manufactured by the State Mint, and feature manually engraved numbers on the reverse.

The awards issued third are composed of hollow 14Kt Gold, were manufactured by the State Mint, and do not feature numbers on the reverse.

Recipients of the Order were also awarded an official “wearer" copy of the award that was meant to be used as an everyday wearable decoration. These copies are stamped “R” on the reverse, and they were officially produced by the Bulgarian Mint from Bronze.