- Time Period: Pre-WW1 Period
- Institution: 1913
- Country: Mongolia
The Order of the Precious Wand, also known as the Order of the Vajra or the Order of the Precious Rod, is a Mongolian state decoration first instituted in 1913 during the era of the Bogd Khanate of Mongolia. Its creation was inspired by Mongolian leaders’ desire to establish a national honours system on the model of Russian imperial awards after Mongolia began asserting independence from Qing China. The first versions were ordered in St. Petersburg and featured multiple classes within three degrees, intended for Mongolian nobles, officials, and foreign dignitaries — especially Russians — as a symbol of diplomatic respect and alliance.
After the Mongolian Revolution of 1921, which overthrew the Bogd Khanate and ushered in a communist government, the original order was abolished as a feudal relic, though some awards were still bestowed briefly during the early revolutionary period.
In 1991, following Mongolia’s democratic transition, the Order of the Precious Wand was re-established as a contemporary state decoration with three degrees but without the older class distinctions. Today it is awarded primarily to foreign statesmen and individuals who have made significant contributions to strengthening democracy and cooperation with Mongolia. Until the establishment of the Order of Chinggis Khaan in 2002, it was once again Mongolia’s highest state award.
The Order of the Precious Wand Medal Design
The obverse (front) of earlier versions of the Order of the Precious Wand — particularly the pre-1921 badges — typically featured a central vajra (precious rod or thunderbolt) motif, which in Buddhist symbolism represents indestructibility and spiritual power. Embedded gems or enamel highlighted the vajra and surrounding ornamentation, with gilt metalwork creating a distinguished, radiant badge reflecting the order’s high prestige. These badges were often crafted in multiple classes with differing decorations, colors and metals to indicate rank within the order.
Modern re-established versions reflect updated state symbolism but preserve the historic emphasis on the vajra/rod motif as the focal point of the obverse. Because current official descriptions do not detail each design element on Wikipedia, visual references from medal collectors are typically used to understand the medallion’s front — which combines traditional emblems with refined metallic and enamel finishes fitting a top diplomatic award.
