Portugal – Military Order of the Immaculate Conception of Vila Viçosa (Ordem Militar de Nossa Senhora da Conceição de Vila Viçosa), Medal
This dynastic and military order was created in 1818 by King João VI (John VI) of Portugal in Rio de Janeiro, marking his acclamation as King of the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil, and the Algarves. Dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary, the order symbolized Portugal’s devotion to its patroness and rewarded loyal service to the crown.
Key Details:
Institution Date: February 6, 1818, by King João VI.
Dimensions: 66.45 mm (height) x 42.77 mm (width).
Material: Silver, enamel, and gilt.
Condition: Please refer to the pictures for details.
Order Grades & Limitations:
The Order of Vila Viçosa was granted in four ranks, with strict numerical limits:
Grand Cross (Grã-Cruz) – Sash badge with a star (Limited to 12 recipients).
Commander (Comendador) – Neck badge with a star (Limited to 40 recipients).
Knight (Cavaleiro) – Breast badge (Limited to 100 recipients).
Servant (Servente) – Reserved for devoted individuals (Limited to 60 recipients).
These strict limits made the Order highly exclusive, awarded primarily to European nobility, aristocracy, and distinguished figures.
Design Features:
Obverse (Front) Details:
Central Medallion:
 Monogram "M.A." for Maria (Mary), Patroness of Portugal.
 Encircled by the Order’s Latin motto:
      "Padroeira do Reino" (Patroness of the Kingdom).
 Surrounded by a laurel and oak leaf wreath, symbolizing strength and faith.
Cross & Suspension:
 Latin cross design, reflecting Christian devotion.
Crown suspension, signifying the order’s royal foundation.
Reverse (Back) Details:
Plain or featuring religious inscriptions, depending on the variant.
Historical Context:
Origins & Religious Symbolism:
The Immaculate Conception became Portugal’s national patroness in 1646, under King João IV, symbolizing divine protection.
King João VI created the order in 1818 in recognition of Portugal’s survival through the Napoleonic Wars and its continued faith.
The order rewarded loyalty to the monarchy and devotion to the Catholic Church, aligning closely with Portuguese royalist and religious traditions.
Abolition & Dynastic Continuation:
Abolished in 1910, following the Republican Revolution and the fall of the monarchy.
Since then, it has been maintained as a dynastic order, conferred exclusively by the Dukes of Braganza, the heirs of the Portuguese monarchy.
This Military Order of the Immaculate Conception of Vila Viçosa represents Portuguese royal history, Catholic devotion, and European chivalric tradition. As a prestigious decoration of the monarchy, it holds significant value for collectors, historians, and those interested in European dynastic orders.