Neck badge. Silver gilt, enamels, 58.7 mm in height (incl. eyelet), 52.0 mm in width, weighs 41.5 g. The design of the badge, modified in 2001, bears the inscription "Al Merito della Repubblica' encircling the national coat of arms on the obverse, and the Latin "Patriae Unitati" and "Civium Libertati" on the reverse, circling the head of Italia Turrita. The ribbon is in moiré silk, threaded through a 41.7mm- long gold-plated suspension loop. Both the badge and ribbon are in excellent condition, no wear or damage or any kind visible to the naked eye.

Miniature. Silver gilt, 18.8 mm in height (incl. eyelet), 16.5 mm in width, suspended from its original ribbon. Excellent condition.

Lapel pin is 13.4 mm in diameter with a 7.6mm-wide miniature badge mounted slightly off-center. Comes with a Ballou Reg'd buttefly clasp. Excellent condition.

Pre-2001 miniature also comes with the set. Measures 19.9 mm in height (incl. eyelet), 17.7 mm in width, suspended from original ribbon with miniature rosette.

Case of issue is in wood, laminated in textured paper with the award's emblem embossed on the lid, in gold. Inside, the lid is lined with silk, the fitted pad is lined with velvet. In excellent condition, showing just minuscule wear to the corners. The hinge is strong, the clasp is oxidation-free and in perfect working order.

The Order of Merit of the Italian Republic is the highest-ranking honor of , established in 1951 by its second President Luigi Einaudi, and modified in 2001. The order is awarded for "merit acquired by the nation" in arts, literature, economy, public service, and humanitarian achievements, as well as for long distinguished military and civilian service.