Gold, silver, enamel
Founded on January 7, 1808 by Emperor Franz I (1768-1835) in honor of his father, Emperor Leopold II (1747-1792). The order was awarded for military and civil services regardless of person’s origin. There is a monogram in the center of the decoration and the star: FIA (FRANCISEUS IMPERATOR AUSTRIAE) – «Franz, Emperor of Austria ». It is encircled by the motto of the order: «INTEGRITATI ET MERITO» – «Honesty and Merit»