History

This medal was instituted by Prince Alexander I of Bulgaria, and it was conferred upon foreigners and Bulgarian citizens in recognition of outstanding achievement in the fields of art, commerce, agriculture, and science. It was also awarded to encourage further efforts within these fields.

The medal was the first award in Bulgaria founded to solely award civilians.

The reverse inscription translates to “For Science and Art.”

The Type II medals were issued twice.

The medals issued first feature the portrait of a young Prince Ferdinand I of Bulgaria on the obverse, have an obverse inscription that translates to “Ferdinand I Prince of Bulgaria,” and are signed “A.SCHARFF”.

The medals issued second feature the portrait of an older Tsar Ferdinand I of Bulgaria on the obverse, have an obverse inscription that translates to “Ferdinand I Tsar of the Bulgarians,” are signed “P.TELGE", and may or may not feature a surmounting Imperial crown.

The Gold Medal was rarely awarded.