The badge, modified in 2001, bears the inscription "Al Merito della Repubblica" encircling the national coat of arms on the obverse and the Latin "Patriæ Unitati" (for the union of the country) and "Civium Libertati" (for the liberty of the citizens) encircling the head of Italia Turrita on the reverse. The six degrees with corresponding ribbons are as follows (with numbers to 2 June 2020):