Medal of Merit for Art and Science

The Medal of Merit for Art and Science (Saksen-Coburg en Gotha; German: Verdienstmedaille für Kunst und Wissenschaft) was a decoration of the German duchy of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. The medals, awarded in gold, gilt silver, and silver, were associated with the Cross of Merit for Art and Science.

The cross was instituted in 1860 by Ernest I of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha and awarded to artists and scientists until 1905. Under successive dukes, various medals were also struck, with the rulers depicted on the obverse.

In 1907, the Cross of Merit was replaced by the Honorary Cross for Art and Science by Duke Charles Edward. The medals were retained, but were given the head of Carl Eduard and a reverse bearing the inscription “Für Kunst und Wissenschaft” instead of “Dem Verdienste” (1837–1895), as had also been the case from 1895 to 1907.

Under Ernest II, gilt-silver crosses were awarded instead of solid-gold decorations.

Unlike in neighboring Saxe-Meiningen, the Cross of Merit for Art and Science was not formally an order of chivalry.