Medalia Jubiliară „Carol I”
The “Carol I” Jubilee Medal

Summary/Abstract: Our research aims to analyse one of the most widely awarded Romanian decorations, the “Carol I” Jubilee Medal. Created in 1906 and awarded to a large number of military personnel and civilians, it was for a time the most widespread distinction, and for many people the first decoration they received. It was the only Romanian commemorative medal that had distinctive insignia for military personnel and civilians. The article discusses the European models that influenced the creation of this award and analyses in detail the process of establishing the medal. The iconography of the medal is examined and the creation of distinct variants for military personnel and civilians is explained. The article also examines the medal’s regulations, paying particular attention to the criteria for awarding it and the numerous categories of military personnel and civilians who were eligible to receive it. Particular attention is paid to the bureaucratic difficulties generated by the very large number of people to be decorated, and the article discusses the omissions – some of them flagrant – and the reasons that led to them. We also examine how the decoration was received by society, as well as irregular or even illegal behaviour, such as the wearing of the medal by persons who had not been awarded it. The article concludes with an analysis of cases of medal withdrawal, which overwhelmingly involve lower-ranking military personnel.

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