08-13-2003, 04:26 AM (This post was last modified: 08-16-2003, 08:37 PM by d-riemer.)
The commemorative medals 30 and 40 Years of Victory over Germany are quite common, except for the versions for foreigners. McDaniel states that they each have been awarded over 5,000 times and gives them both the R3 rating ("Rare piece, which is sometimes available, but may be hard to find"). In the Checklist by Dmitry Markov, the 30-Years medal is rated R6 ("very difficult to obtain") and the 40-Years rated R5 ("extremely rare and seldom available"). I believe that Markov is correct, especially as far as the 30-Years medal is concerned.
I have seen a 30-Years medal for the first time recently as part of a group belonging to a Bulgarian MVD colonel. I had always been wondering which foreigners had been honored with these special issues.
I got this as part of a screwup from eBay. It's a mint condition and presumabley brand new booklet for the 30 year medal. It does not have the Umalatova stamp that I see so often. I assume it's a post communism Soviet party issue document. Am I right?
I've attached an image just in case it might help clarify questions others might have.
Not from '75 it is, it's too "minty". Is it?
"patina imparts character" - PJS
A wise man said: 'you should not pay a premium for what you want beyond your comfort level, and always ensure there is a mutually agreeable return policy.'