History

The Medal of Honour for Mutual Aid Societies was created by the decree of March 26, 1852 and was later replaced by the Order of Social Merit in 1936.

The Medal was awarded by a council of Society members to its most deserving and dedicated members.

The Medal had five grades. The lowest grade was a Diploma of Honourable Service which was awarded after three years of service. The Bronze Medal was awarded for two years of service after receiving the Diploma, the Silver Medal was awarded for three years of service after receiving the Bronze Medal, the Gold Medal was awarded for four years of service after receiving the Silver Medal.

The obverse inscription translates to “Napoleon III Emperor,” and the reverse inscription translates to “Mutual Aid Societies, Medal of Honour.”

There may be versions that have an obverse portrait without a laurel crown.