Belgian Centenary of National Independence Medal 1830–1930

Original Belgian Centenary of National Independence Medal 1830–1930 (Herinneringsmedaille 100 jaar Belgische Onafhankelijkheid 1830–1930) (Médaille Commémorative du Centenaire de l’Indépendance Nationale). The Centenary of National Independence Commemorative Medal 1830–1930 is a Belgian decoration established by Royal Decree on 20 July 1930 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Belgian independence.

This medal was awarded to members of the Belgian Armed Forces (both active and veterans), as well as to civil servants who had completed at least 20 years of honorable service prior to 1 January 1931. Eligible recipients typically qualified for long-service distinctions such as the Civic Decoration, Military Cross, or Military Decoration.

Design & Characteristics

The medal features a refined and symbolic design:

• Shape & Material:
  Silvered bronze octagonal medal (32 mm wide, 30 mm high), surmounted by a royal crown, bringing the total height to approximately 41 mm.

• Obverse:
  Left-facing profiles of three Belgian kings:
  Leopold I, Leopold II, and Albert I, representing a century of monarchy and national development.

• Reverse:
  The years “1830” and “1930” displayed in two slightly offset rows, overlaid on a background of oak and laurel leaves, symbolizing strength and victory.

Ribbon

The medal is suspended from a 38 mm white moiré silk ribbon featuring the Belgian national colors as narrow edge stripes:

• Black, Yellow, Red (each approx. 1 mm wide)

A historically rich and elegant commemorative medal, highly sought after by collectors of Belgian history, royal memorabilia, and early 20th-century decorations.