The decoration can trace its origin back to awards established in 1793 by King Frederick William III of Prussia.

The various levels of the decoration recognized peacetime merit to Prussia.

[2] These awards were often to commemorate long and particularly meritorious service or for special contributions from people who would not be considered for appointment to an order due to their rank.

After 1814, the gold medal was discontinued being replaced by a silver cross for the First Class.

In January 1830, the cross was made into the Fourth Class of the Order of the Red Eagle,[3] leaving only the silver medal for award.