Greece – Royal Order of the Phoenix, grand cross star

Description

The Order of the Phoenix was instituted by the Greek Republican government on 13 May 1926 to replace the Royal Order of George I and was awarded exclusively to eminent non-Greeks who had served the cause of Greece. When the monarchy was restored in 1935, the Order was retained, prefixed ‘Royal’, the phoenix was crowned and its award to Greek citizens approved for outstanding merit in the fields of arts, letters, science, commerce, industry and public life. 

With abolition of the monarchy in 1973, the prefix and crown were discarded but the Order continues to be awarded to this day. 

Large eight-pointed rayed silver star with the of a silver gilt phoenix imposed centrally below a silver gilt imposed royal crown. The reverse mounted with pin and hooks for wear, in the center the cartouche of the maker, Spink.