Red Star.

[Bill Garvy]

Thanks everyone, I appreciate the extra sets of eyes. . .

[Bill Garvy]

Yes, it's 1772931. . .

[igrek]

Dear all,
I'm a little bit confused with this Red Star: how to classify it?
I know it is original (by the source). Then the number in this range should be hand-engraved... Unless it is a duplicate...then there is a missing "D" letter?
The obverse is in amazingly good shape, which makes me think it was a more recent production..
Could anybody please educate me?:confused:
Thank you!

[Bill Garvy]

It certainly does appear to be a duplicate Red Star, an area which can be a minefield for collectors. I won't touch them, regardless of the source, and yes, you are right, serial numbers in this range were normally hand engraved. That being said, not all duplicates were marked with a "D". With all due respect, even though your source describes it as original, better, larger, high resolution scans are most certainly needed before a final determination can be made.

[CtahhR]

For Bill to avoid any Red Star certainly resonates profoundly for me.

Don't forget images of the front too.

[Bill Garvy]

For Bill to avoid any Red Star certainly resonates profoundly for me.

Don't let it. They are simply above my pay-grade, ahem. . .

[igrek]

Here are a few more detailed scans. (I don't really know hot to scan reverse properly because of the pin...)
Bill, did I understand it right that duplicates are generally more valuable than the original issues?

[Bill Garvy]

[SIZE="3"]I agree they are difficult to scan. Most scanners are not configured to provide the necessary depth of field, Regardless, I find putting the cover down usually holds/balances the obverse parallel to the glass and sometimes I get lucky.

Yes, generally their market value is higher, assuming, all things being equal, they are genuine, as yours appears to be.[/SIZE]

[Разведка]

Just came across a beautiful Red Star - my first. #1,330,117, which I think places it squarely in 1945. I'd love to find out how this was earned (and added it to the SNDB just in case).

[desantnik]

You can have it researched. There are plenty of pointers here on how to get it done!