Order "Georgi Dimitrov".

[d-riemer]

Sebastien,
the hollow Dimitrov Order is the ideal design for fakers. You can always get the right weight by filling the open space on the inside of the order with a certain amount of heavy lead.

[new world]

Sebastien,

I checked several Dimitrov order that I have for mintmarks.
Two of them have mintmark on the left side of the loop.
I am not sure what that mint mark is. It's not really "8" or "R", it looks like some sort of non-numeric character. It's not a letter either.
To me it looks more like some sort of symbol or ornament.

The miniatures for Dimitrov Order are made of brass and are goldplated.

Based on information in this thread and outside sources - we can safely assume there are THREE main types of Georgi Dimitrov order:

Type 1 - Solid gold construction - one piece, NO holes in the back. Weight - about 60 grams. The first few hundred, numbered through 1 to about 300s (STAMPED serial numbers). Rarely seen for sale, priced over $1200.

Type 2 - Hollow construction - 2 pieces, with ONE vent hole on the back (normally in the top area). Weight - about 30 grams. Observed specimens with ENGRAVED serial numbers from around 300 and into the 800s (about 500 awarded). Rarely for sale, priced over $600.

Type 3 - Hollow construction - 2 pieces, with TWO vent holes on the back (normally in the top and bottom areas). Weight - about 30 grams. NO serial number. The most common type, often available in the market, priced from $300 and up.

Type 3 is identical to type 2 with exception of lack of serial number and one extra air vent hole on the bottom on the reverse.

Best regards,
William

[d-riemer]

Here is a picture of the official replica of the Dimitrov Order made with gold-plated brass and stamped with an "R" on the back.

I have finally seen a Dimitrov Order with a pretty good mintmark on the medal loop: "58" stands for 58% gold = 14 karat.

[HuliganRS]

Looks like I picked up a Dimitrov that doesn't fit the types above.

It's numbered 803 and it has 2 vent holes.

Any thoughts on authenticity? I know that the pictures are bad but that's all I have until I recieve the actual award.


Thanks!

Rusty.

[d-riemer]

Looks like I picked up a Dimitrov that doesn't fit the types above. It's numbered 803 and it has 2 vent holes.

Rusty,
we have not discussed Dimitrov orders for a while but the statement that there are no Bulgarian fakes still seems to be valid.

Here is a picture of the backs of two Dimitrovs with engraved serial numbers. S/N 687 has only one vent hole but the order with S/N 725 has two vent holes. S/N 725 was awarded on 31 August 1955. Early in 1955, the Bulgarian Mint apparently changed to 2 vent holes while still incribing numbers on the back. Your S/N 803 is from the last group of orders with an engraved number.

[HuliganRS]

Dietrich,

Thanks! From the pctures it looked legit and from reading this thread it would appear to be a nice and rare variation. Besides, I got a killer deal on it.

Thanks for easing my mind.

I'll post some better pictures once I get it.

Any idea about market value of such variation?

Thanks!

Rusty.

[redmedals]

Hi Rusty,
That's quite a find. Estimate retail value in the $700 to $800 range for sure these numbered Dimitrov Orders are not easy to find. And yours is a scarce type.
Ron

[new world]

Dietrich,

Thanks! From the pctures it looked legit and from reading this thread it would appear to be a nice and rare variation. Besides, I got a killer deal on it.

Thanks for easing my mind.

I'll post some better pictures once I get it.

Any idea about market value of such variation?

Thanks!

Rusty.

Rusty,

It's hard to put a price on such piece, as it's quite rare variation. If ordinary Dimitrov orders are in $400 range, I'd say numbered variation is about $600.

William

[HuliganRS]

William & Ron,

Thanks!
I paid $300 for it. I guess I got a great deal!!!

What is the highest S/N known? I assume it's under 1000

The Dimitrov came today. It's weight is 31.1gr while it was without suspension I took some better pics.

Rusty.

[Dolf]

Rusty,

Nice piece! And apparently you got an excellent deal (as usual ;) ) !

Congrats!

Dolf