Venezuela - Order of the Liberator, III Class Commander (c.1922-2010) (Orden del Libertador, Comendador)
The Order of the Liberator (Orden del Libertador) is Venezuela’s highest and most prestigious national order, honoring outstanding civil and military service. It was officially instituted on September 14, 1880, by President Antonio Guzmán Blanco, evolving from earlier decorations created by Simón Bolívar himself in 1813.
This III Class Commander (Comendador) issue, dating to c.1940, is a Type II variation (1922-2010). The Order was discontinued in 2010 and replaced by the Order of the Liberators of Venezuela (Orden de los Libertadores de Venezuela).
This specific piece:
Dimensions: 58.58 mm (height, including integral ball) x 47.54 mm (width)
Material: Silver gilt with enamel details
Condition:
Enamels intact, a key factor in preserving value.
Original neck ribbon present but cut on both sides (please refer to pictures for condition).
Suspension: Ovular suspension loop attached to a small section of original ribbon.
Design Features
Overall Structure
Multiple-ray silver gilt sunburst, symbolizing light, glory, and national honor.
Dual-layered rays enhance the prestige of the design.
Obverse (Front) Details
Central ovular medallion featuring the right-facing profile of Simón Bolívar.
Surrounding blue enamel inscription:
"SIMÓN BOLÍVAR", honoring Venezuela’s national hero.
Reverse (Back) Details
Central Venezuelan coat of arms, reinforcing its national significance.
Suspension & Ribbon
Attached by an ovular suspension loop.
Original ribbon included, but cut on both sides, affecting wearability but not authenticity.
Historical Context
Origins & Evolution
1813 - Original Creation by Simón Bolívar
Established as the Order of the Liberators of Venezuela during the independence wars.
No surviving examples exist, and historical records remain vague.
1854 - Distinguished Medal with the Bust of Bolívar
Created to reward Chiefs, Generals, Officers, and civilians for loyalty and service.
Featured Bolívar’s bust on the obverse and the Venezuelan coat of arms on the reverse.
1880 - Order Officially Instituted by Antonio Guzmán Blanco
Transformed into an official state order with five classes:
I Class – Grand Collar
II Class – Grand Cross
III Class – Commander (this piece)
IV Class – Officer
V Class – Knight
I, II, and III Class featured breast stars with unique designs.
1922-2010 (Type II Period)
The design evolved, introducing a uniform structure for all classes.
This III Class Commander version dates from c.1940, during the mid-20th-century Venezuelan government under Eleazar López Contreras and Isaías Medina Angarita.
2010 - Order Replaced
The Venezuelan government abolished the Order of the Liberator.
Replaced by the Order of the Liberators of Venezuela.
This Venezuela - Order of the Liberator, III Class Commander (c.1940, Type II) is a prestigious and historically important decoration, honoring military and civilian excellence in Venezuela’s highest order of merit.
Despite ribbon damage and intact enamel, silver gilt construction, and mid-20th-century issuance make it a valuable and collectible piece.
For further assessment and valuation, please refer to the provided pictures to evaluate condition, enamel work, and ribbon integrity.