History

The Medal of Commercial and Industrial Merit was established by King Carol I in 1912. It was suppressed in 1947 after the abolition of the Romanian monarchy but was re-instated in 2000 following the collapse of the communist regime. It is currently awarded to Romanian citizens in recognition of meritorious service rendered to the commercial and industrial sectors in Romania.

There are two models of the I Class Medal that differ in engraving. The first features the portrait of King Carol I with an inscription that translates to "Carol I, King of Romania," and the second features the staff of Hermes. Both models have an obverse inscription that translates to "Commercial and Industrial Merit."

There may be additional versions of the I Class Medal that vary in composition.

The previous model is listed in the Medals & Decorations of the Kingdom of Romania (1881-1947). See also the Order of Commercial and Industrial Merit in the Orders of Romania (2000-) for the associated order.