Types and Variations (continued)
Fig. 10
Type 2
Monetny Dvor mint mark. Flared Edges. No screwpost base
Serial numbers
529486-3831218.
Fig. 11
Type 2
Duplicate award.
Awards not issued had their serial numbers ground off and the original award serial number engraved in its place. A cyrillic letter "D" is occasionally observed.
Fig. 12
Type 3
3 rivet construction.
Serial numbers 24702-28263. Produced between 1941-1942
Common Fakes
The number and variety of “fake” Order of the Red Star is on the increase. Popular internet auction websites are awash with fakes sold as original. The collector must be mindful of this when purchasing any order or medal from these websites. A respectable dealer would be the safest means of purchase. The most common way used to produce a fake is to convert a late issue Type 2 to either a Mondvor variation (Fig.13) or a Type 3, 3-rivet star (Fig.14). .
Fig. 13
Fig. 14
A Type 2 Order of the Red Star converted to a Mondvor variation (Fig.13) will show signs of buffing and have a smooth appearance on the reverse. This was done to remove the original mint mark and serial number. A dark area, missed during the buffing process, will closely surround the base of the screw post. A fake serial number is hand engraved and the Mondvor mint mark is stamped above the screw post. This Mondvor mint mark is large and straight. This the most common type of fake for this order. A Type 3 3-rivet fake is recognizable by the large, bulbous fake rivet heads (Fig.14). The fake rivet heads are irregularly spaced. It is most difficult to uncover a fake if the fake serial number is in the 24,000 – 28,500 range. (continued next page)
 
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