[1] It was awarded to Bulgarian and foreign citizens for outstanding services to People's Republic of Bulgaria.

In the centre there is a square of gold, which depicts mediaeval frescoes from the Veliki Preslav Palace surrounded by green-enamelled olive branches.

It is worn on a sash 85mm wide, beige/off-white with a white, green and red central stripe.

Awardees also receive a miniature star to wear as a lapel badge.

The insignia was designed by Professor Valentin Starchev and the artist M. Markov, and was made in the State Mint.