Colombia - Centennial Cross of Boyacá (Cruz Centenario de Boyacá) 1819-1919, Rare Second Type (1922-1927)
General Information
Country: Colombia
Award Name: Centennial Cross of Boyacá (Cruz Centenario de Boyacá)
Type: Second Type (1922-1927)
Dimensions: 53.66 mm x 49.85 mm
Material: Silver with blue enamel panels, gilt details
Condition:
Original ribbon present, but in poor condition (refer to pictures).
Rarity: Extremely rare, with only 25 or 50 known examples produced.
The Centennial Cross of Boyacá was instituted on 8 August 1919 by Presidential Decree No. 1667 to commemorate the centenary of the Battle of Boyacá (1819), a pivotal moment in Colombia’s independence from Spain.
In 1922, the award was modified, introducing a new design featuring Simón Bolívar's portrait on the obverse, replacing the previous Republican flag. This Second Type (1922-1927) was conferred upon senior officers, diplomats, and ministers, including eminent non-Colombians. The cross was discontinued in 1927 when it was replaced by the Order of Boyacá.
Design Features
Overall Construction:
Silver cross clechée, adorned with blue enamel panels.
Mounted on a circular laurel wreath suspension ring, symbolizing victory and honor.
Obverse Details:
The central medallion features a gilt portrait in relief of Simón Bolívar, facing left.
The medallion is encircled by a blue enamel ring, inscribed in gilt letters:
"COLOMBIA CENTENARIO DE BOYACÁ" (Colombia Centennial of Boyacá).
Reverse Details:
Features a circular central blue enamel medallion, inscribed in gilt letters:
"1819 7 DE AGOSTO 1919" (August 7, 1819 - 1919), commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Boyacá.
The arms of the cross remain plain, emphasizing the contrast of the enamel elements.
Ribbon & Suspension:
Original ribbon, in Colombia’s national colors (yellow, blue, and red), but heavily worn.
Features a pasador (top bar) for mounting and wear.
Historical and Collectible Significance
Symbol of Colombian Independence:
The Battle of Boyacá (August 7, 1819) was the decisive victory that secured independence for Colombia and other South American nations.
This award honors the centennial of that historic event, making it a symbol of national pride and sovereignty.
Extremely Rare Award (1922-1927 Version):
This Second Type (1922-1927) is exceptionally rare, as only 25 or 50 were ever produced.
Intended for high-ranking Colombian officials and foreign dignitaries, further limiting its availability.
Produced by J.H. Werner of Berlin, a renowned German manufacturer of high-quality orders and decorations.
Replaced by the Order of Boyacá (1927):
The Centennial Cross of Boyacá was discontinued in 1927, when it was succeeded by the modern Order of Boyacá.
This makes surviving examples of the Centennial Cross particularly scarce.
Conclusion
The Centennial Cross of Boyacá (Second Type, 1922-1927) is an extraordinary and rare Colombian decoration, with deep historical connections to the independence movement and Simón Bolívar. With only a few surviving examples, this is an important piece of Latin American military and diplomatic history.