National Order of Merit

PRY001 Orden Nacional del Merito

Order was instituted on 8 April 1865. The Order was revised two times: on 23 June 1939 and on 7 September 1956.
Order is awarded to nationals or foreigners for military and civil services rendered to the country.
Order is awarded in seven grades: Collar, Extraordinary Grand Cross, Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer and Knight.
There are two types of insignia, with reverse inscription "1939" and "1865".
There are two variations of insignia, with Francisco Solano López and with lion head.