How does a nation say thank you? Many countries around the world have honor systems that national leaders use to give awards to citizens or international allies for acts of merit, service, and friendship. The highest honor in those systems is often known as a Grand Cross Order of Knighthood. These awards were typically reserved for the highest-ranking members of society, including royalty and heads of state.

The National Numismatic Collection holds 237 Grand Crosses that reflect a wide range of political, military, and cultural histories across the globe. This collection was originally amassed by a collector named Frederick W. MacKay and was given to the Smithsonian in 1967.

The Grand Cross Orders are some of the most eye-catching objects in the National Numismatic Collection. Made of colorful silks, rich enamels, sparkling ornaments, and a wide range of metals, their elaborate and complex designs reflect the significance they held for both the leader giving them out and the person receiving them.

Now available online, these objects have enormous research potential. They are useful primary sources for exploring national and imperial histories, battles and treaties between nations, and sovereigns and their dynasties.

Here you will see orders from 18 countries. Explore all 237 Grand Cross orders from around the world here.