The Companion of Honour Medal: Awarded to Friedrich von Hayek by Queen Elizabeth II.

HAYEK, Friedrich von [F.A.]. [Queen Elizabeth II].

$150,000.00

Item Number: 117452

Exquisite Companion of Honour Medal, awarded by Queen Elizabeth II to Friedrich von Hayek on June 16th 1984 at Buckingham Palace. Measuring 2.5 inches by 1.75 inches, the medallion is surmounted by the royal crown decorated in red and green enamel and features a mounted knight and oak tree with the shield of the Royal Arms of the United Kingdom within a blue oval frame bearing the gilt motto, “In Action Faithful and In Honor Clear.” On the verso is Queen Elizabeth’s royal insignia. Presented on a red ribbon with gold thread borders and housed in a custom velvet blue and silk lined full morocco clamshell box. In fine condition.

The Order of the Companions of Honour was established by King George V on June 4th 1917 as a reward for outstanding achievements to be "conferred upon a limited number of persons for whom this special distinction seems to be the most appropriate form of recognition, constituting an honour disassociated either from the acceptance of title or the classification of merit." Hayek was appointed a Companion of Honour in the 1984 for his “services to the study of Economics”. The appointment was attended by a 20 minute audience with the Queen followed by dinner at the Institute of Economic Affairs. That evening, after the festivities, Hayek is reported to have said “I’ve just had the happiest day of my life.”