Medal of the Order of Isabella the Catholic; Spain, c. 1900. Gold and enamel. Measurements: 7,5 x 2 cm. Weight: 49 g (total). The Royal Order of Isabella the Catholic is a Spanish civil order of chivalry and honor granted to individuals and institutions in recognition of extraordinary services to the homeland or to the promotion of international relations and cooperation with other nations. By law, its Grand Master is the King of Spain, and its Grand Chancellor is the Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Order is open to both Spaniards and foreigners. The Order was created in 1815 by King Ferdinand VII in honor of Queen Isabella I as the Royal and American Order of Isabella the Catholic in order to "reward the firm loyalty to Spain and the merits of Spaniards and foreigners who are in good standing with the Nation and especially in those exceptional services rendered for the territories of America and Overseas".