Panama, Republic. An Order Of Vasco Nuñez De Balboa, Grand Cross Set

 (Orden de Vasco Nuñez de Balboa). Instituted 1937. 1937 - Present Issue. Sash badge of the order, featuring in bronze gilt consisting of an enamelled white four-armed cross, surrounded by a detailed laurel wreath in green enamels, centre depicting a superposed bronze gilded bust of Vasco Nuñez de Balboa surrounded by the inscription ORDER OF VASCO NUÑEZ DE BALBOA on a white enamelled background, the reverse with embossed centre, measuring 57.3 mm (w) x 62 mm (h - inclusive of suspenion), on original sash, extremely fine. Accompanied by a fine eight-armed star in silver, composed of multiple rays, obverse centrepiece in bronze gilt consisting of an enamelled white four-armed cross, surrounded by a detailed laurel wreath in green enamels, centre depicting a superposed bronze gilded bust of Vasco Nuñez de Balboa surrounded by the inscription ORDER OF VASCO NUÑEZ DE BALBOA on a white enamelled background, the reverse with pin assembly, silver hallmark denoting fineness of 925, measuring 81.1mm (w) x 81.0mm (h), with toning to obverse, extremely fine.

Footnote: Born in 1898 in Mexico, Luis Padilla Nervo developed an early passion for politics while studying law at the National Autonomous University of Mexico. His career on the global stage began in 1945, when he signed the United Nations Charter on behalf of Mexico at the San Francisco Conference. Padilla Nervo made history as Mexico’s first Ambassador to the United Nations and served as a member of the United Nations Security Council. In 1951, he reached another milestone by becoming President of the General Assembly during its sixth session. After his time at the UN, Padilla Nervo held several key positions in Mexico’s government, serving in the Ministries of Education, Interior, and Labor. His distinguished career continued with his election to the International Court of Justice, where he served as a judge from 1964 to 1973—becoming only the second Mexican to hold that position. In recognition of his lifetime of achievements, he was honored with the prestigious Grand Crosses from over 30 nations celebrating his enduring contributions to diplomacy, law, and public service.