Großherzoglich hessische Verdienstmedaille für Wissenschaft, Kunst, Industrie und Landwirtschaft

The Grand Ducal Hessian Medal of Merit for Science, Art, Industry and Agriculture was instituted on 21 May 1853 by Grand Duke Ludwig III. After the death of the recipient, the medals had to be returned.

It was awarded in gold and silver. The design was by court medallist Carl Friedrich Voigt.

The obverse initially showed a left-facing portrait of the Grand Duke. His successor, Ludwig IV, replaced it with his own on 8 June 1889. His successor, Ernst Ludwig, also had himself depicted there in 1894.

The reverse shows a wreath tied with a double bow. The wreath has laurel leaves on the left and oak leaves on the right, each in seven groups. In the centre is the two-line inscription “For Merit” (Dem Verdienste).

The most significant change took place on 4 June 1904. From that date, two medals were awarded: one each for art and science, and for agriculture and industry.