History

The Cross was awarded for devotion to the cause of liberty during the Revolution of 1830. Those who were awarded the Cross had to take a vow to the King, to the Constitution, and to the laws of the kingdom. A total of 1789 Crosses were awarded.

A short time later, the July Medal was created to recognize other acts of courage during the Revolution that did not merit the July Cross.

The official model has a medallion with concentric circles of red, white, and blue. The inscription in the red ring translates to “Given by the King of the French,” the inscription in the white ring is “1830,” and the inscription in the blue centre translates to “27, 28, 29 July.” There is an unofficial version that has a reverse medallion “27, 28, 29 July 1830” in the blue centre.

There are also other versions that were produced after 1848 which differ in the reverse inscription, that is, the absence of a dedication from the King. The first of these differs only in “National Award” in the red ring. The second of these Crosses has “Given by the Nation” in the red ring and “27, 28, 29 July 1830” in the blue centre. The third has “July Cross” in the red ring and “1830” in the blue centre.

There are additional versions that were privately made by those who were unhappy because they were awarded the Medal and not the Cross. These versions are known as "The Crosses of the Discontented." These versions have a silver medallion that resembles the July Medal.

The following variables may be encountered on all versions of the Cross: size; composition; manufacturer. These attributes may positively or negatively affect the price.