This national honor and decoration was created to recognize Venezuelan citizens and foreigners who have contributed to the sciences, to the progress of the country, to the humanities or who have exemplified outstanding merits.

[5] More recently, the law was revised further in 2006, establishing the different levels or rankings within the Order and also identifying potential categories of recipients.

[1] The gold-colored neck order badge features an oblong maroon enamel center showing the left-facing profile of Francisco de Miranda.

The Venezuelan patriot's name is emblazoned across the upper quadrants of a band which encompasses this central image.

The obverse features an embossed image of the coat of arms of the República Bolivariana de Venezuela.