02-09-2005, 03:51 PM
Lauri,
I know that many collectors and some Forum members consider this medal a fake. Eugene and Desantnik are certainly making a very good point that this medal had become available only in the 90s.
I have seen this gold-plated variation with some wear and a light patina, that looked authentic to me. Upon closer examination it looked like a mint production without any problems, usually associated with other cast or coined fakes. Mint mark on the loop was very clear, and I do not believe somebody else besides the mint could do such a good job stamping it. I have also seen another variation without the MM. In both cases gold plating was applied before the enamel on the star.
Muzalevsky/Shishkov and Avers-6 consider it a legit variation.
Alexei
I know that many collectors and some Forum members consider this medal a fake. Eugene and Desantnik are certainly making a very good point that this medal had become available only in the 90s.
I have seen this gold-plated variation with some wear and a light patina, that looked authentic to me. Upon closer examination it looked like a mint production without any problems, usually associated with other cast or coined fakes. Mint mark on the loop was very clear, and I do not believe somebody else besides the mint could do such a good job stamping it. I have also seen another variation without the MM. In both cases gold plating was applied before the enamel on the star.
Muzalevsky/Shishkov and Avers-6 consider it a legit variation.
Alexei
