Venezuela - Bolivarian Republic: Order of the Liberator, III Class Commander Star
(Orden del Libertador – Estrella de Comendador, Tercera Clase)
General Information
Country: Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic)
Award Name: Order of the Liberator (Orden del Libertador)
Class: III Class – Commander Star
Institution Date: September 14, 1880
Discontinued: 2010, replaced by the Order of the Liberators and Liberators of Venezuela
Maker: N.S. Meyer, Inc., New York
Dimensions: 82.36 mm x 75.53 mm
The Order of the Liberator was the highest distinction awarded in Venezuela for exceptional meritorious service to the country and the community. It was named in honor of Simón Bolívar, the liberator of Venezuela and much of South America.
Design Features
Construction & Materials:
Mounted on a silver and white-finished bronze eight-pointed star base.
Each star point consists of five emanating rays, a design symbolizing honor and prestige.
Obverse Features:
The center of the insignia displays the Coat of Arms of Venezuela.
The white-finished star enhances contrast and elegance, though a small piece of the white finish is missing on the left stay.
Commander’s Star design includes a pinback for uniform mounting.
Reverse Features:
Maker Marked:
N.S. Meyer Shield (a well-known American manufacturer of military and honorary decorations).
Inscribed: "N.S. MEYER, INC. NEW YORK" on the reverse cartouche.
Pinback System:
Vertical pinback, flanked by dual stays, ensuring secure attachment.
Condition & Rarity
Condition: Good, with minor wear.
Rarity:
Commander Star (III Class) is less common than Officer and Knight classes but more available than Grand Officer or Grand Cordon grades.
The N.S. Meyer-produced versions are rare, as many were manufactured locally in Venezuela.
The Order of the Liberator (III Class Commander Star) is a prestigious and historically significant Venezuelan decoration. This N.S. Meyer, Inc. New York-made example is particularly rare, with minor wear but in extremely fine condition. It remains a highly sought-after piece among collectors of Latin American orders and medals.