Medal "Defender Of Free Russia".

[Sergei]

On behalf of a friend who does not speak any English, could you please take a look at this medal. I can email high-res images, for some reason I can't seem to get my ptotoshopping right :( Can also get more scans from the owner, if that helps. Thanks. Sergei

[Lapa]

Sergei,

The medal looks good to me.

Marc

[Nota Bene]

Sergei,

The medal is good, but it's not finished. Apparently a bunch of them were sold before they got Ni-plated or numbered.

Alexei

[Sergei]

Thanks all, I'll pass this on to the owner (Poor guy, I bet he will be scratching his head now - a real but unfinished medal stolen half-way through the production process - does this make it original or almost original? 'Nearly original and almost issued' is probably a good description)
I have just got a response from the owner of the medal: "Thank you. And that's what's knocking my brains off, the medal is undoubtedly not a fake, but on the other hand it does not exist!" Sergei

[Nota Bene]

Sergei,

He's right about that, technically speaking it's not a medal. He should probably have it nickel plated, and keep it for display.

Alexei

[SpaceCadet1983]

This medal is currently on the world's auction site. It is listed as "Defender of Freedom Counterrevolutioner, Numbered #1062." There is only a picture of the obverse, but it appears to show the Russian "White House" and the barricades in front of it during the Soviet coup d'etat attempt against the government of M. Gorbachev, August 19-21, 1991. I've never seen anything like it. Does anyone have any information on this medal?:)

[Tretov]

This medal exist, but is rare, yes - but I cannot tell anything on the authenticity on the specific award being sold.

[Nota Bene]

Based on this picture I'd say it's genuine.

Alexei

[SpaceCadet1983]

I've been interested in the Medal for the Defense of Free Russia instituted in 1992. The medal was awarded to individuals who were involved in defending the Russian Parliament and Democracy in the face of the attempted pro-Soviet coup in August 1991. Today, a silver-colored one sold for $257.00 + S/H, and there are currenty two bronze-colored versions listed on eBay for $180.00 + S/H and $247.99+ S/H. Does anyone know how many of these medals were minted? What of the different color variations - silver and bronze? Has anyone seen these medals for less? What of the commemorative table medal version, which was among the last medals minted in the former Soviet Union? Information and comments would be most appreciated! Thank you!:thumbsup

[CtahhR]

Here is a nice example of the "unfinished" variety.