Goldene Zivil-Ehrenmedaille

The Civil Honor Medal (Zivil-Ehrenmedaille; contemporary name: Civil-Ehren-Medaille) was a decoration in the Austrian Empire. It was instituted by Francis I on the occasion of Austria’s elevation to an empire and was awarded in three different sizes in gold and in one, later two, sizes in silver. The large gold medal could also be awarded on a gold chain.

It was awarded to civilians, regardless of rank or gender, whose merit did not warrant the award of the Order of Leopold.

Under Ferdinand I, people from the bourgeoisie and teachers in particular were honored. Awards are documented, among other years, for 1816, 1820, 1833, 1839, and 1844. Francis Joseph I did not award the medal; instead, the Order of Franz Joseph was instituted in 1849 and the Cross of Civil Merit in 1850.