The Top 5 Rarest Medals and Orders of the World
Throughout history,
medals and orders have been awarded to individuals for exceptional acts of bravery, service, and accomplishment. Some of these awards are extremely rare, often due to the conditions under which they were issued, the limited number given, or their historical significance. Below, we delve into the top five rarest medals and orders that exist, each with its own unique story and unparalleled prestige.
1. The Order of the Garter (UK)
The Order of the Garter is widely considered one of the rarest and most prestigious orders of chivalry in the world. Founded in 1348 by King Edward III, this British order is reserved for the most distinguished individuals, including the British monarch, royal family members, and select knights. Only 24 living members can hold the title of a Knight or Lady of the Garter at any given time, making it a true symbol of exclusivity.
Recipients of this honor are usually chosen for their extraordinary contributions to public life or their service to the Crown. Historically, the Order of the Garter has been awarded to monarchs, military leaders, and prominent figures from various countries. The medal itself is a striking blue and gold emblem featuring the St. George's Cross and a motto "Honi soit qui mal y pense" ("Shame on him who thinks evil of it"). Its rarity is cemented by the limited number of recipients and its centuries-old tradition.
2. The Victoria Cross (UK and Commonwealth)
The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest military decoration awarded for valor "in the face of the enemy." First instituted in 1856 by Queen Victoria, it has become one of the most coveted and rare medals in the world. Over the past century, fewer than 1,400 Victoria Crosses have been awarded to members of the British and Commonwealth armed forces.
The medal is renowned not only for its prestige but also for the bravery required to earn it. Many VCs have been awarded posthumously, reflecting the extreme acts of courage involved. The medal itself features a bronze Maltese Cross and is traditionally struck from cannons captured during the Crimean War, adding to its historical significance. Due to the high risk involved in earning the VC and its limited number, it remains an extraordinary symbol of bravery and sacrifice.
3. The Order of the Golden Fleece (Spain and Austria)
The Order of the Golden Fleece is one of the most prestigious chivalric orders in Europe, dating back to 1429. Originally founded by Duke Philip III of Burgundy, this order is awarded by both Spain and Austria to those who have rendered exceptional service to the crown and the Catholic Church. The award's rarity is enhanced by its selectiveness, as only a handful of people have been inducted into the order over the centuries, including royals and influential leaders.
The medal itself features a golden fleece hanging from a gold collar, and its members are among the highest echelons of European nobility. Though both Spain and Austria have different traditions and processes for awarding the Golden Fleece, the honor remains one of the most exclusive and coveted of its kind, with only 30 living members at any given time.
4. The Order of Saint Patrick (Ireland)
The Order of Saint Patrick is one of the rarest and most distinguished Irish honors, founded in 1783 by King George III. Originally established to recognize and reward loyal service to the British Crown, it became a symbol of Ireland’s historical relationship with Britain. The order’s rarity lies in the fact that it is no longer awarded, with the last living member, the Duke of Wellington, passing in 1952.
The Order of Saint Patrick’s insignia features a green enamel star with a depiction of Saint Patrick, and the motto "Quis Separabit" ("Who will separate us"). At its peak, only 15 knights could hold the honor at any given time, making the Order of Saint Patrick one of the rarest in the world.
5. The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross (Germany)
Though the Iron Cross itself has been awarded many times since its creation in 1813, the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross, awarded during World War II, is one of the rarest and most significant military decorations. Initially awarded to German soldiers for bravery, the Knight’s Cross was introduced by Adolf Hitler in 1939 as an upgrade to the existing Iron Cross, with additional ranks (like the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords, and Diamonds) for those who demonstrated extraordinary acts of valor.
Due to the extreme bravery required and the very specific circumstances under which it was awarded, only 7,000 Knight’s Crosses were given out during World War II, and only a small fraction of those were awarded the Oak Leaves, Swords, or Diamonds, making the highest-tier Knight’s Cross incredibly rare today. The Cross of the Iron Cross remains one of the most famous and coveted military decorations in history.
Conclusion
Medals and orders serve as a means to recognize extraordinary achievement, bravery, and service. The rarity of these prestigious awards adds to their allure, with only a select few individuals ever earning them. From the ancient traditions of the Order of the Garter to the modern valor recognized by the Victoria Cross, these awards are not just pieces of metal, they are timeless symbols of excellence that carry immense historical and cultural significance.