The Constanza Medal of Honour (Medalla de Honor de Constanza) was instituted in 1959 by the Dominican Republic under the rule of Rafael Leónidas Trujillo (1891-1961). It was awarded to members of the Dominican Army who fought against the Movimiento de Liberación Dominicano (MLD) during the 1959 Constanza, Maimón, and Estero Hondo invasion, an attempted anti-Trujillo insurgency.
This specific example retains its original ribbon and was manufactured by "ALBERTI", a known medal producer of the era.
Specifications
Institution Date: 1959
Dimensions: 54.21 mm (height) x 49.67 mm (width)
Suspension: Original ribbon attached
Manufacturer: "ALBERTI" (marked on obverse)
Design Features
Obverse (Front)
Central circular medallion bearing a portrait of Rafael Leónidas Trujillo in military uniform.
Surrounding inscription:
"ESTERO HONDO" (One of the landing sites of the invasion).
"HEROISMO Y LEALTAD" (Heroism and Loyalty), emphasizing the loyalist narrative of the Dominican Army.
A plaque with five stars above, possibly representing high military command or elite forces.
Reverse (Back)
Circular central medallion featuring the Coat of Arms of the Dominican Republic.
Inscription:
"REPUBLICA DOMINICANA 1959 ERA DE TRUJILLO" (Dominican Republic 1959 – Era of Trujillo), marking the dictatorship’s official period.
Ribbon
Original ribbon present, enhancing the authenticity and historical integrity of the medal.
Legacy of the Era
Trujillo’s dictatorship (1930–1961) was marked by authoritarian rule, repression, and a cult of personality.
Following his assassination in 1961, many symbols of his regime were removed or discarded, making surviving medals rare.
The Dominican Republic Constanza Medal of Honour (1959) is a historically significant award from the Trujillo era, recognizing military loyalty during the failed 1959 anti-Trujillo uprising. With its intact original ribbon, detailed portrait of Trujillo, and association with the Dominican Army’s suppression of rebels, it is a rare and valuable collectible for those interested in Latin American military history.
For further verification and valuation, please refer to the pictures to assess medal details, ribbon wear, and overall condition.